Sri Lanka (Commonwealth Union)_ According to the latest reports, the 37th session of the Asia Pacific Regional Conference (APRC) of the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) will be held in Sri Lanka. Scheduled to take place from February 19th to 22nd, 2024, in Colombo, this conference will convene ministers of agriculture and high officials from 46 member countries across the Asia Pacific region. The aim is to engage in discussions addressing challenges and priorities associated with food and agriculture, with a focus on promoting regional coherence.
Also read: INDIA, MAURITIUS, AND SRI LANKA ATTEND 6TH NSA-LEVEL COLOMBO SECURITY CONCLAVE
Prior to the ministerial session, slated for February 19th to 22nd, 2024, a virtual Senior Officers Meeting (SOM) will take place from January 31st to February 2nd, 2024. Presided over by Janaka Dharmakeerthi, Secretary of the Ministry of Agriculture and Plantation Industries, the SOM will present its report for adoption during the ministerial session. During a joint media briefing, Minister Mahinda Amaraweera and Vimlendra Sharan, FAO Representative for Sri Lanka and the Maldives, provided details about the upcoming conference. Minister Amaraweera emphasized the significance of the 37th APRC as a platform for regional collaboration, which is advantageous not only for Sri Lanka’s agricultural landscape, fisheries sector, and environment but also for participating member countries.
Also read: SRI LANKAN TOURISM REVENUE RISES TO…BILLION IN 2023
FAO has been actively involved in Sri Lanka for over four decades, supporting the implementation of Good Agricultural Practices (GAP) and the advancement of the fisheries sector for growth and climate resilience. FAO Sri Lanka Representative, Sharan highlighted that the APRC conference would serve as an opportunity to showcase innovative approaches launched in collaboration with the government. By hosting the 37th APRC, Sri Lanka underscores its deep commitment to sustainable agriculture, both domestically as well as across the region. This event serves as a testament to the country’s dedication to being a key player in sustainable agricultural development.
The APRC agenda will feature a forum on agritourism, a special request made by the Sri Lankan government. This forum aims to provide high-level delegates from the Asia Pacific region with an opportunity to recognize Sri Lanka as a viable agritourism destination. The goal is to further develop the nation’s agritourism sector, attracting valuable foreign exchange. The 37th APRC represents a valuable occasion for collaboration between Sri Lanka and the region in fostering a thriving agricultural sector.
