Australia partners with World Economic Forum for agricultural development in ASEAN

IN a joint announcement by Foreign Minister Julie Bishop and Trade Minister Andrew Robb, the World Economic Forum’s (WEF) ‘Grow Asia’ partnership, developed in collaboration with the Association of South East Asian Nations (ASEAN) Secretariat, will be supported by Australia.

The Grow Asia partnership will build on Australia’s broad portfolio of agricultural programs across the ASEAN region to increase the impact of the country’s development assistance.  The program will leverage private sector investment and innovation and promote women’s economic empowerment. 

“Under this new $8 million partnership, Australia will work closely with the WEF and ASEAN to drive pro-poor economic growth in our region,” Ms Bishop said. 

“Australia recognises that innovative public-private partnerships, such as Grow Asia, are critical to reducing poverty and food insecurity, boosting agricultural productivity and building the foundations for sustainable economic growth in our region.”

Mr Robb said, “By bringing together business, government and other key stakeholders, Grow Asia will increase the scale and impact of agribusiness ventures in South East Asia, linking small-scale farmers in ASEAN economies to regional and global markets.

“Australia is proud to work closely with key ASEAN economies to promote private sector investment in agribusiness and address constraints to growth,” he said.

“In strengthening relationships with our ASEAN neighbours, Australia recognises the growing importance of these economies to our economic and cultural future.”

http://www.weforum.org/projects/new-vision-agriculture

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