SL set to host the 37th Asia Pacific Regional Conference of FAO

Sri Lanka is set to host the 37th session of the Asia Pacific Regional Conference (APRC) of the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) of the United Nations (UN) from February 19 to 22, 2024.

The Asia Pacific Regional Conference will facilitate discussions among agriculture ministers and officials from 46 member countries to address food and agriculture challenges and priorities, promoting regional coherence.

The Ministerial session, scheduled for February 19 to 22, 2024, will be preceded by a Virtual Senior Officers Meeting, chaired by the Secretary, Minister of Agriculture and Plantation Industries Janaka Dharmakeerthi and presented for adoption,

The Ministerial session planned for 19 to 22 February 2024 will be preceded by a Senior Officers Meeting (SOM) to be held virtually from 31 January to 02 February 2024. The SOM will be chaired by Janaka Dharmakeerthi, Secretary, Minister of Agriculture and Plantation Industries. The SOM report will be presented at the Ministerial session for adoption.

Agriculture Minister Mahinda Amaraweera and FAO Representative Vimlendra Sharan will hold a joint press conference on December 8, 2023, to discuss the upcoming conference.

Minister Amaraweera announced the 37th APRC will foster regional collaboration, benefiting Sri Lanka's agricultural landscape, fisheries sector, and environment, as well as participating member countries during a joint press conference held on December 8.

FAO has supported Sri Lanka for over 40 years, implementing Good Agricultural Practices and developing the fisheries sector for growth and climate resilience, highlighting innovative partnerships with the government, said Vimlendra Sharan.

Sri Lanka's hosting of the 37th APRC showcases its commitment to sustainable agriculture growth, demonstrating its commitment to regional development and partnership with other countries.

The APRC agenda will feature a forum on agritourism, aimed at recognizing Sri Lanka's potential as an agritourism destination and generating foreign exchange.