ECO Secretary General’s contributions to special event on

“Experiences in Regional Programs for Food Security (RPFS)”

Organized by FAO in Rome on 11-13 April 2005

Press Release

Mr. Askhat ORAZBAY, Secretary General of Economic Cooperation Organization attended the special meeting on “Experiences in Regional Programs for Food Security (RPFS)” which was organized by FAO during the 65^th Session of the Committee of Commodity Problems held in Rome on 11-13 April 2005. FAO is formulating regional food security programmes for 21 regional economic organizations like CARICOM, ECO, ECOWAS, ASEAN, Pasific Islands Forum (PIF) and others to complement and support national endeavors for food security. During the event, Regional Economic Organizations which have already finalized their regional programmes and are at the stage of implementing them have presented their experiences and lessons in this regard.  

Mr. Orazbay also made a statement during the event summarizing the progress in the implementation of FAO/ECOTechnical Cooperation Programme project for the preparation of Regional Programme for Food Security which started in 2003 with  technical and financial assistance of FAO. In his statement, Mr. Orazbay after giving a brief account of actions taken so far, mentioned  the areas where projects are being formulated. He mentioned specifically enforcing food safety regulations in the member states, integrated special program for food security to enhance food production at farm level and diversify rural income, integrated pest management (IPM) , promotion of agro-exports, enhancing post harvest handling  and livestock development and control of animal diseases.

ECO regional programme for food security together with mid-term investment reports for each country and regional - national project profiles would be finalized in forthcoming months.

Mr. Orazbay has also met with Mr. Jacques Diouf, Director General of FAO to discuss issues of bilateral cooperation between FAO /ECO. In the meeting,  both sides agreed to hold a donor’s roundtable meeting with the participation of FAO, ECO and potentials donors like Islamic Development Bank, Asian Development Bank etc. to secure financing for some of the proposed projects.   

Mr. Orazbay has also met with Mr. Kobakiwal, Chief of Special Programmes for Food Security and Mr. Martinez, Chief of Seed and Genetic Resources Service to discuss the possible projects for cooperation. In these meetings, among other issues, project on strengthening seed supply in the ECO region was considered. Through this project, FAO is planning to allocate 350.000 USD to ECO for introduction of better quality seeds in the region  and strengthening seed trade and private sector involvement

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