ASEAN introduces new promotion scheme
JAKARTA (JP): The Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) has agreed to add rubber, coffee, tea and beans and peas to a new five-year scheme promoting ASEAN agricultural and forest products.
The association said here over the weekend that the new scheme superseded the one signed in 1994, which had already included 11 other agricultural and forestry products.
The agreement to add four additional products was reached during the 21st Meeting of ASEAN Ministers of Agriculture and Forestry (AMAF), held recently in Bandar Seri Begawan, Brunei Darussalam.
The new scheme was aimed at improving the competitiveness of these products in the international market, according to a press statement issued by the association's secretariat.
Under the scheme, ASEAN would undergo joint efforts in negotiations and bargainings, including addressing issues and problems faced by member countries in the international market.
ASEAN has planned to set up a joint committee to coordinate the joint efforts consisting of representatives of member countries, the ASEAN Secretariat and representatives of the private sector.
The committee would be chaired on a rotational basis and would meet in the member country hosting the annual AMAF Meeting.
Furthermore, guidelines within the scheme would be established to counter campaigns against ASEAN products and to overcome discriminatory and unfair practices imposed by importing countries.
To raise the products' exports, targeted industries would undergo product diversification and quality improvement while also maintaining resources to ensure the sustainable supply of raw material.
The scheme would also promote inter-ASEAN trade of these agricultural and forestry products.
Already included in the 1994 scheme are carrageenan and other seaweed, frozen chicken, tapioca, frozen prawns, canned tuna, canned pineapple, palm oil, coconut oil, cocoa, forest products and pepper.
The 10 members of ASEAN consist of Brunei Darussalam, Indonesia, Singapore, Malaysia, Thailand, the Philippines, Vietnam, Myanmar, Cambodia and Laos. (03)