PRESS RELEASES

The 16th ASEAN Ministers Meeting on Agriculture and Forestry (AMAF) Plus Three

19 October 2016

The 16th ASEAN Ministers Meeting on Agriculture and Forestry (AMAF) Plus Three was held on 7 October 2016 in Singapore. Japan was represented by Mr. Masahiko Tanoi, Councillor (Deputy Director- General for International Affairs), Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries.

The ministers from 10 ASEAN Member States, Japan, China and Republic of Korea acknowledged the achievement of cooperation under ASEAN+3 framework for the past year. Especially, Japan’s cooperation was highly appreciated by ASEAN Member States.

Mr. Tanoi explained,
1. Japan’s tangible effort of establishing Food Value Chain in the ASEAN region and its accomplishment,
2. Japan’s effort in strengthening food security as declared in G7 Niigata Agriculture Minister’s Meeting, and
3. Japan’s cooperation under AMAF+3’s frame work such as ASEAN Plus Three Emergency Rice Reserve (APTERR), ASEAN Food Security Information System (AFSIS).

He also announced that it would make a continuous contribution for strengthening and ensuring food security, and development of agriculture in the ASEAN region.

In addition, he expressed its gratitude to the those countries which have lifted or eased their import restrictions imposed on Japanese agricultural products after the accident of the Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Plant in 2011. He requested for further action in lifting or easing the remaining import restrictions.

The conclusion of the meeting was published in the joint media statement.