ASEAN Cooperation: Crucial to Global Food Security

There is clear and present danger that another global food price crisis will arise in the future. This is based on the result of the Ministerial meeting of the World Trade Organization (WTO) in Bali in December 2013. It was shown that several WTO member countries have refocused on internal domestic politics, compromising the long-term benefits shared across nations, in favor of short-term gains. Since rice is a staple to many ASEAN countries, it is vital the durable regional agreements would be implemented on rice production and supply to maintain food security in the region. Multilateral cooperation is crucial in order to curb volatility in rice and food prices.

According to Dr. Bruce Tolentino of International Rice Research Institute (IRRI), the governments of ASEAN member countries must share information on cross-country stocks and prospects that enable rational, moderate, and longer-term assessments of supplies and prices. Such dialogue will highlight international understanding and assurances that rice exporting and importing countries have shared interest in stable, if higher, rice prices.

Read more at http://irri.org/blogs/item/asean-cooperation-crucial-to-global-food-security.