The 33rd session of the FAO Regional Conference for Asia and the Pacific (APRC) will convene in Putrajaya, Malaysia, from 7 to 11 March 2016, hosted by the Ministry of Agriculture & Agro-Based Industry, Malaysia.

The conference will focus on the opportunities and challenges in the region and priority areas of work to improve food security and nutrition, increase agricultural productivity, raise the standard of living in rural populations and contribute to sustainable economic growth.

Agriculture ministers from 46 countries across Asia and the Pacific are expected to participate. Representatives from international non-governmental organizations, intergovernmental organizations, United Nations organizations, civil society organizations and the media are also expected to attend.

During the first three days, 7 to 9 March, senior government officers will hold in-depth discussions focusing on policy and regulatory issues in the Asia-Pacific region and globally. On 10 and 11 March, a two-day ministerial segment will convene, focusing on measures to speed up progress of alleviating hunger and improving nutrition in Asia-Pacific countries.