Agriculture ministers from 46 member countries across the Asia Pacific region are due to arrive in Colombo today and tomorrow to participate in the 37th session of the Asia Pacific Regional Conference (APRC) of the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) to be held in Colombo from February 19 to 22, Agriculture Ministry officials said yesterday.
President Ranil Wickremesinghe will preside over the main session of the conference in Colombo on February 20. Director General of the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization, Dr. Qu Dongyu will arrive in the country today to participate in the session. Dr. Qu has advocated numerous reforms and initiatives to overhaul the FAO’s business model, improving efficiency and implementing best practices that support programs and administrative effectiveness. Responding to a request from the Government, the APRC agenda has incorporated a special focus on agri-tourism. It will give high-level delegates arriving in the island from across the Asia Pacific region the opportunity to recognise Sri Lanka’s potential as an agri-tourism destination, the officials said.
Agriculture Minister Mahinda Amaraweera said by hosting the 37th APRC, Sri Lanka demonstrates the country’s dedication to the growth of food security and sustainable agriculture across the region.
Sri Lanka will highlight the importance of robust partnerships of the member countries to raise their economies to achieve sustainable development goals. The Agriculture Ministers of China, Malaysia, Japan, Pakistan and Bangladesh are due to attend the conference.
The conference will serve as a strong platform for regional collaboration. It will benefit the agricultural landscape, fisheries sector and environment of Sri Lanka, Minister Amaraweera added.
