Phnom Penh, November 29-30, 2024 – The Mekong Institute (MI), in collaboration with the International Food Policy Research Institute (IFPRI), co-hosted the ASEAN-CGIAR Workshop on Agri-Food Trade, Value Chain, and Green Financing. The two-day event brought together policymakers, researchers, and private sector representatives to explore actionable strategies for advancing ASEAN’s agri-food systems through the ASEAN-CGIAR Innovate for Food Regional Program (IFRP).
The workshop highlighted the critical role of two key intervention packages under the ASEAN-CGIAR program. Intervention Package 4 (IP4), focused on enhancing value chains and regional trade, aims to foster market integration, inclusivity, and efficiency across ASEAN’s agri-food value chains. Meanwhile, Intervention Package 6 (IP6) addresses private sector investment and sustainable financing, introducing innovative mechanisms to mitigate risks faced by smallholder farmers and small-to medium-sized enterprises (SMEs).
Mr. Suriyan Vichitlekarn, MI Executive Director, emphasized the importance of policy alignment and stakeholder collaboration in overcoming trade and market integration challenges. “By fostering linkages across trade, policy, and technology, we aim to build a more inclusive, efficient, and resilient agri-food sector,” he stated.
Dr. Watcharas Leelawath, on behalf of MI, presented key findings from a mapping study linking ASEAN trade agreements with strategies to strengthen agricultural value chains. His presentation emphasized the significance of aligning these initiatives with regional frameworks to enhance market integration and sustainability goals.
Research presentations underscored both regional opportunities and challenges in trade and value chains, including the development of an ASEAN agri-trade portal and the adoption of innovative financing tools like satellite technology and risk-contingent credit. Discussions also focused on green finance mechanisms and the integration of scientific assessments into traditional finance to mitigate agricultural, environmental, and social risks. The event also featured the launch of the Global Research Network on Agri-Food Systems for Sustainable Transformation (GreNAST), which aims to institutionalize evidence-based policymaking and foster international collaboration, advancing local innovation and contributing to sustainable development worldwide.
The workshop reinforced ASEAN’s alignment with the global agenda on sustainable development and climate resilience. Dr. Kevin Chen, Head of IFPRI’s East and Central Asia Office, reiterated the importance of strengthening ASEAN’s agri-food systems through sustainable financing and partnerships. “Intervention Package 4 and 6 offer practical pathways to build climate-resilient agricultural value chains, integrate smallholders into regional markets, and attract private investment in sustainable practices,” he noted during the closing remarks.
Participants collectively committed to finalizing the ASEAN agri-trade portal and policy recommendations to improve market access and reduce trade barriers. Plans were outlined to develop customized solutions for food safety and sustainable value chain models focused on smallholders. Strengthening the ASEAN-CGIAR partnership through additional resource mobilization and preparation for the second phase of intervention packages was also emphasized. Furthermore, the workshop supported ASEAN’s 2026–2030 Food, Agriculture, and Forestry Strategy with insights and frameworks developed during the discussions.
The event concluded with a call to action to deepen regional collaboration and align strategies with ASEAN’s broader vision of economic integration and sustainable growth. MI looks forward to further collaboration with ASEAN stakeholders to build a resilient and sustainable future for the region’s agri-food systems.
For more information on the MI’s initiatives, please visit www.mekonginstitute.org.
