The 21st Meeting of the Ministers of Agriculture and Forestry of ASEAN and People’s Republic of China, Japan and the Republic of Korea (21st AMAF Plus Three) was held virtually on Oct. 27, 2021.   

Participants conducted in-depth discussions on issues of common concern, including boosting agriculture amidst the COVID-19 pandemic, safeguarding food security and strengthening animal diseases control. Vice Minister Ma Youxiang attended the meeting and delivered a keynote speech in Qingdao, Shandong Province.   

Vice Minister Ma spoke highly of the extensive cooperation carried out by all parties over the past year related to the ASEAN Plus Three Cooperation Strategy on Food, Agriculture and Forestry 2016-2025. He reviewed China’s achievements in promoting the development of agriculture and rural affairs while minimizing the impact of the Covid-19, and put forth four proposals for boosting regional cooperation: 1) Strengthen policy coordination, information sharing, and mutual recognition of rules in agriculture among all parties; 2) Set up stable and unobstructed channels for agricultural trade, and increase agricultural investment and cooperation; 3) Work to establish the China-ASEAN Modern Agriculture S&T Innovation Alliance to improve S&T cooperation; and 4) Tap cooperative potential, and work together to promote cooperation in agricultural services and trade, biodiversity conservation, and emission reduction and carbon sequestration. Ma’s proposals were well received by all parties. 

The Joint Press Statement of the 21st AMAF Plus Three was issued. The 22nd AMAF Plus Three will be held in Laos next year.