1.1 Attendance
The twenty-fourth session of the Asia and Pacific Plant Protection Commission (APPPC) was held in Bangkok, Thailand from 5 to 9 September 2005. Fifty (50) delegates from 20 member countries of the commission, namely, Australia, Bangladesh, Cambodia, China, Democratic People's Republic of Korea, Fiji, India, Indonesia, Lao People's Democratic Republic, Malaysia, Myanmar, Nepal, New Zealand, Pakistan, Philippines, Republic of Korea, Sri Lanka, Thailand, Tonga and Viet Nam attended the meeting. One delegate from Japan and three from the United States of America attended as observers. There were 33 observers from Thailand. There were also representatives from CropLife Asia, the International Rubber Research and Development Board (IRRDB) and the Pacific Plant Protection Organization (PPPO). The list of participants is attached as Annex I.
1.2 Introductory remarks by Mr Somchai Charnnaronkul, Deputy Secretary General, National Bureau of Agricultural Commodity and Food Standards, Chairperson of the Organizing Committee
Mr Somchai extended a warm welcome to the delegates and observers, and expressed his pleasure at the impressive turnout which he anticipated would produce a successful meeting. He stressed the importance of plant protection in the implementation of international trade and noted the role of the (APPPC) as regional coordinator in achieving the objectives of the International Plant Protection Convention (IPPC).
Mr Somchai also reiterated the commitment of Thailand to plant quarantine, including their experiences from involvement in the IPPC for the establishment of phytosanitary standards. In the area of pesticide management, guidelines were based on the Rotterdam Convention. A number of activities on Integrated Pest Management (IPM) were also mentioned, especially in cotton and vegetable cultivation, deriving from farmers' training through Farmer Field Schools (FFSs). Mr Somchai said that he hoped the forum would further enhance understanding of these important aspects.
In conclusion, Mr Somchai thanked the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), Regional Office for Asia and Pacific for their support and encouragement leading to the successful hosting of this meeting, and also to the Organizing Committee and Secretariat for their untiring efforts in ensuring the efficient operation of the meeting.
1.3 Opening remarks by Ms Wan Normah Wan Ismail, Chairperson of the 23rd Session of APPPC
The Chairperson started by expressing her appreciation and thanks to the Government of Thailand and FAO Bangkok for their roles in the co-hosting of the Commission Session, and also to the Executive Secretary of the APPPC and Secretariat staff for the management of the meeting.
Ms Wan Normah then reported the successes in the pursuit of regional cooperation in IPM, Pesticide Management and Sanitary and Phytosanitary (SPS) issues, with emphasis on the areas of capacity building and information exchange. There was special mention and thanks to the Executive Secretary of the APPPC, Mr Piao Yongfan for his contributions to the implementation of the work plan for the 2003-2005 period. The highlights of this were:
i. Development of two Regional Phytosanitary Standards with Australia, namely, the Guidelines for the Confirmation of Non-Host Status of Fruits and Vegetables to Tephritid Fruit Flies and The Requirements for the Establishment and Maintenance of Pest Free Areas for Tephritid Fruit Flies.
ii. Coordination of the Regional Technical Consultation on draft ISPMs.
iii. Organization of two workshops on the preparation of Pest Risk Analysis (PRA) for South American Leaf Blight (SALB), followed by engagement of a consultant for a 3-month study mission in preparation of the final workshop in 2006.
iv. Organization of five regional workshops with the cooperation of the IPPC Secretariat, FAO Rome and NPPO Malaysia in capacity building.
v. Hosting of the Second Workshop on the Harmonization of Pesticides Regulatory System in ASEAN in Kuala Lumpur.
As out-going chairperson, Ms Wan Normah expressed confidence that the momentum gained in the previous years would be sustained over the next two years with enhanced cooperation and globalization.
1.4 Welcome address by Dr Changchui He, FAO Assistant Director-General and Regional Representative for Asia and the Pacific
Dr He welcomed the delegates to Bangkok and expressed his thanks to the Government of Thailand for hosting the meeting. He especially thanked Mr Somchai and the Organizing Committee for the superb administration of the meeting, and also the out-going chairperson for the efficient and effective work over the past two years.
Giving an outline in the priority areas, Dr He stressed the necessity for discussion into the various areas of plant quarantine, and the need for phytosanitary measures to be effective and not to be a trade barrier. Special attention would be dedicated to the discussion of RSPM No. 3 and RSPM No. 4. He also emphasized the importance of the availability of regional information, which could be greatly enhanced with the introduction of the International Phytosanitary Portal (IPP).
The successful implementation of IPM in rice, cotton and vegetables in recent years was highlighted as being a positive example of the achievements of APPPC member countries. He promised further assistance towards sustainable and environmentally friendly agricultural projects developed from the expansion of IPM programmes.
On the problems arising from improper use of pesticides, Dr He announced that an International Code of Conduct on distribution and use of pesticides has been adopted. However, a significant number of problems still exist, and the focus would now shift towards the enforcement of the code. He also noted that the region as a whole has developed a general plant protection programme, but more work is needed to further strengthen organization structures, pesticide legislation and registration, and safe handling methods. Priority recommendations put forward were also expected to boost and improve plant quarantine services.
Reiterating APPPC's leading role in supporting farmers, Dr He then outlined measures required to achieve environmental sustainability. He also pointed out the need for the delegates to bring to the attention of national authorities the importance of the deposition of acceptance of the agreement as soon as possible.
1.5 Inaugural address by the Honourable Dr Suthiporn Chirapanda, Deputy Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Agriculture and Cooperatives, Thailand
In his address, the Honourable Dr Suthiporn extended a warm welcome to delegates, observers and guests to the opening of the 24th APPPC meeting. Noting the importance of agriculture amongst APPPC member countries, he believed there was need to strengthen regional bonds for the exchange of agricultural knowledge and information through forums such these. He was particularly pleased with the progress in farmers' education through the FFSs and the implementation of IPM. He congratulated the APPPC for the adoption of the Guidelines for the Development of Heat Disinfestations Treatments of Fruit Fly Host Commodities and the Training Requirements for Plant Quarantine Inspectors.
Dr Suthiporn observed the wide coverage of the agenda, especially the implementation of the International Code of Conduct on the Distribution and Use of Pesticides, and progress in the Convention of the Prior Informed Consent. He hoped that the Convention would adopt the two draft standards.
While stressing the importance of the protection of indigenous plants from unwanted alien species, Dr Suthiporn noted that phytosanitary measures undertaken should not pose a barrier to trade. He also announced the promotion of organic agriculture by the Government of Thailand since December 2004, and he looked forward to a successful conclusion on the related IPM and pesticide management discussions.
Finally, Dr Suthiporn thanked Mr Piao, Executive Secretary of the Commission and his team for setting the agenda which will contribute toward the Millennium Development Goal of halving world hunger by 2015. Wishing all participants success in their deliberations, he then declared open the 24th Session of the Asia and Pacific Plant Protection Commission.
1.6 Election of the Chairperson and Vice-Chairpersons of the 24th Session, the Drafting Committee and the adoption of the provisional agenda and timetable
1.6.1 Election of the Chairperson and Vice-Chairperson of the 24th Session
Thailand was elected Chairperson of the 24th session of the APPPC.
The elected countries to the Vice-Chairpersons were:
China
India
Malaysia
New Zealand
1.6.2 Election of the Drafting Committee
Dr John Hedley (New Zealand) was elected Chairperson of the Drafting Committee. The other members were:
Dr Xia Jingyuan, China
Dr P.S. Chandurkar, India
Mr Chan Yeng Wai, Malaysia
1.7 Adoption of the provisional agenda and timetable
The draft agenda and timetable were unanimously adopted.
