President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. on Sunday called on ASEAN and Japan to craft a 10-year roadmap on new technologies and climate-resilient plans to ensure food security in the region.
“As one of the countries most vulnerable to the negative impact of climate change, the Philippines realizes that agriculture is intrinsically linked with climate,” he said in a speech during the third session of the 50th ASEAN-Japan Commemorative Summit.
“Inasmuch as food security is one of my administration’s top priorities, I encourage new agricultural technologies and the crafting of a climate change-resilient, sustainable, inclusive, and people-centered ASEAN-Japan Strategic Economic Cooperation Roadmap beyond 2025 for the next 10 years,” Mr. Marcos added.
President Marcos said he sees Japan as a major player in the economic development of Southeast Asia as well as in addressing climate change and the region’s adoption of new technologies.
At the same time, he encouraged ASEAN member states and Japan to undertake novel joint ventures to reduce carbon emissions, promote renewable energy, and enhance environmental sustainability.
“I am confident that this partnership will continue to grow and expand with the AJCEP Agreement [ASEAN-Japan Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement] and RCEP [Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement] in place,” Marcos said.
“Furthermore, with the recent addition of the “ASEAN-Japan Economic Co-Creation Vision” that recommends the future direction of ASEAN-Japan cooperation, we anticipate an even more vigorous economic relation,” he said.
Marcos said the Philippines is keen to collaborate with Japan to bring about the initiatives set out in the Future Design and Action Plan for Innovative and Sustainable ASEAN-Japan Economic Co-Creation 2023 – 2033, noting the country’s young, dynamic, and skilled people are certain to play a vital role in shaping this vision in the path towards the “Industry 4.0” economy.
And following the 28th Session of the Conference of Parties to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change in Dubai (COP28), President Marcos said the Philippines was willing to host the headquarters of the Loss and Damage Fund Board.
He also welcomed new cooperation initiatives with Japan that facilitate the development of robust supply chain strategies against future disruptions and shocks in ASEAN, through diversification, digitalization, and risk management.
“As the world becomes more interconnected, ASEAN must develop its physical connectivity and digital infrastructure as foundations for sustainable and inclusive economic growth, economic integration, competitiveness, and resilience,” Marcos said, adding that ASEAN and Japan must also expand digital literacy to foster innovation and inclusivity and facilitate the digital transformation of their economies.
“We would appreciate, in this regard, the continued exchange of technological know-how and best practices between ASEAN Member States and Japan and investment in human capital and upskilling through various scholarship programs for ASEAN member states,” he said.
Japan is one of ASEAN’s most important Comprehensive Strategic Dialogue partners, with the ASEAN-Japan relationship encompassing various areas such as security, trade and investment, food security, climate action, energy security, supply chain resilience, infrastructure development, and connectivity.
Japan is also ASEAN’s 4th largest trading partner and the 4th biggest source of the bloc’s foreign direct investments (FDIs).
Speaker Martin Romualdez on Sunday lauded the President’s focus on food security and better economic opportunities for Filipinos at the Tokyo summit.
“President Marcos’ focus on food security at the ASEAN-Japan Summit sends a clear message: the well-being of Filipino families is a top priority,” he said.
“His efforts to secure robust partnerships and cutting-edge agricultural technology advancements directly translate to a more stable food supply and stronger economic opportunities for millions of Filipinos across the nation,” he added. “Investing in sustainable agricultural practices opens doors for job creation and economic growth in rural communities, strengthening livelihoods and improving the quality of life of our citizens.”
He reiterated the full support of Congress for the President’s ongoing efforts to prioritize food security.