Indonesia Urges APEC Members to Address Food and Water Scarcity, Drive Innovative Economic Growth at Summit
Jakarta. Indonesia urged members of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation, or APEC, to realize inclusive and innovative economic growth and to address food and water scarcity in the region during a meeting of ministers in Danang, Vietnam, on Wednesday (08/11).
"Cooperation in APEC must produce inclusive, innovative and sustainable economic growth," deputy foreign minister A.M. Fachir said, according to a statement issued by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
He added that APEC should encourage an open economy and policies aimed at structural reforms to continue its leadership in the global economy.
Established in 1989, APEC is a forum for 21 member countries from the Pacific Rim that promotes free trade throughout the Asia-Pacific region. Its members include China, Russia, Taiwan and New Zealand.
This year, the forum is chaired by Vietnam.
Fachir also emphasized on the need for APEC to play a role in addressing the issue of food and water scarcity, which is a growing concern due to climate change and a global population spike.
Indonesia’s approach to address food and water scarcity has been to involve farmers, fishermen and villagers themselves in a variety of programs and initiatives.
According to Fachir, APEC can work to strengthen farmers’ capacities and productivity by utilizing technology and innovation, expand market access for farmers and fishermen and facilitate negotiations to eliminate non-tariff barriers for agricultural products.
President Joko "Jokowi" Widodo is scheduled to attend the Leader’s Retreat portion of the APEC Summit on Nov. 11.
Previously in October, Foreign Affairs Minister Retno Marsudi said that Jokowi will urge stronger efforts to narrow the development gap and enhance inclusiveness of APEC.
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