Fresh Studio joins GMS agricultural ministers meeting in Siem Reap

On 6 to 8 September Fresh Studio joined the Greater Mekong Subregion Ministers Meeting (GMS AMM2) in Siem Reap, Cambodia. The meeting was sponsored by the GMS Core Agriculture Support Program (CASP) within the Asian Development Bank.

This 3-day event focused on safe and sustainable agriculture value chains, facilitating cross-border trade of agricultural products, exchanging best practices and expanding collaboration among stakeholders.

Agriculture ministers from the six GMS countries – Cambodia, China, Laos, Myanmar, Thailand and Vietnam – attended the event and endorsed the GMS SEAP Strategy and Siem Reap Action Plan. A lot of activities were held during the event, including meetings, Policy Forum, public-private sector dialogue and Market exhibition of private companies working on organic and innovative agriculture practices.

The event was divided in 3 days

Day 1: Siem Reap Policy Forum

A policy forum on “Developing safe, sustainable and inclusive agro-based value chains in the GMS” was established. This forum connects government, private sector as well as researchers to discuss about the recommendations to make GMS as a reputable supplier of safe agro-products. During the first day René van Rensen, R&D director Crops, presented about Fresh Studio experience on “Food Safety and Quality Assurance on Fruits and Vegetables”. Rene delivered key messages about the value of Vietnam fruit and vegetable products, food safety issues, market access problem and the importance of having effective measures to promote sales within the region.

Day 2: Development Partners’ Forum and the Public-Private Dialogue and Roundtable

The program of the day was divided into plenary and parallel sections of the open and closed-door meetings. The Development Partners’ Forum updated the progress of the program to all partners whilst discussing the synergies and opportunities for enhancing investment in value chain development. The public and private sectors also discussed about the implemention of the GMS Strategy and Action Plan and mechanisms of public and private collaboration.

Day 3: Second GMS Agriculture Ministers’ Meeting

The Ministers of Agriculture from 6 GMS countries discussed and endorsed the Joint Ministerial Statement.