FAO’s Regional Office for Asia and the Pacific and representatives from Japan’s Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries (MAFF) today re-affirmed their close collaboration on technical cooperation work in the region during an annual review of the programme.

The annual review process was “a very valuable occasion that will lead to the strengthening of the FAO-MAFF partnership,” said Daiji Kawaguchi, Deputy Director of the International Organizations Division, within the Minister’s Secretariat at MAFF. While awaiting confirmation in the Diet (Parliament), the Government of Japan is proposing a budget increase to the Japan–FAO Trust Fund for the 2017 fiscal year, the Deputy Director added.

During the review of the Japan-funded projects, and the important contributions they have made to trade and sustainable agriculture, the discussions focused on current projects ranging from support to ASEAN countries on international food safety standards and the development of more effective and inclusive food value chains, to improving systems of inspections of seeds crossing borders so they can be certified free of pests. The FAO team also made a presentation to the delegation on emerging trends and priorities for the region for possible future support by Japan.

The meeting noted that Japan’s contribution to FAO’s work goes beyond financial commitments, particularly given the country’s high level of technical expertise in the areas of agriculture, fisheries and forestry.

“FAO thanks the Government of Japan not just for the (financial) resources you provide, but also for your technical and human resources, something we value very much, and so look forward to working together to deliver positive results,” said Kundhavi Kadiresan, FAO Assistant Director-General and Regional Representative.

Going forward, both parties agreed to showcase the good results from Government of Japan funded projects across the region.