ASEAN member nations urged to prioritise intra-bloc rice exports

Illustrative image (Photo: VNA)

Malaysia has urged rice exporting countries in ASEAN to prioritise intra-bloc exports amid concerns over rising prices and supply shortages, local media has reported.

In a statement on October 4 on the thresholds of the 45th ASEAN Ministers on Agriculture and Forestry Meeting in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysian Deputy Minister of Agriculture and Food Security Chan Foong Hin, called on ASEAN’s main rice-supplying nations to prioritise exports to countries in the region.

Hin also emphasised the importance of sustainable agriculture and forestry for the livelihoods of millions of people in ASEAN countries.

Countries are facing threats from climate change, overfishing, unsustainable agriculture and food waste, he stressed.

Hin called on ASEAN countries to protect this sector, ensure people's livelihoods and income, and manage limited resources responsibly.

According the official, Malaysia aims to strengthen links with external partners, saying that an intra-group unity, and minimising the negative impacts of external shocks are factors that help ensure the region's stability and prosperity./.