Rural Development Administration Announces Achievements in Korea-Asia Agricultural Technology Cooperation... Signs Membership Agreements with Two New Countries

The 7th Korea-Asia Food and Agriculture Cooperation Initiative (AFACI) General Assembly
held in Kathmandu, Nepal

The Rural Development Administration announced on June 2 that it hosted the 7th Korea-Asia Food and Agriculture Cooperation Initiative (AFACI) General Assembly in Kathmandu, Nepal, over two days from May 29 to 30.

The AFACI General Assembly is held every three years under the chairmanship of the host country, serving as a venue to elect the next executive committee and discuss future cooperation strategies.

Seo Hyowon, Deputy Director of the Rural Development Administration, is delivering a welcome speech at the 7th AFACI General Assembly held in Kathmandu, Nepal. (Photo by Rural Development Administration)

Ram Nath Adhikari, Minister of Agriculture of Nepal, delivered a congratulatory speech in which he emphasized that close cooperation among Asian countries must take precedence in order to overcome current crises such as climate change. He also highly praised the achievements of the AFACI project, which has led multilateral cooperation efforts.

In addition, 27 delegates from 15 Asian member countries, as well as Tajikistan and Pakistan, which are newly joining as AFACI members, attended the event. On this day, a membership agreement ceremony was held between the Rural Development Administration and the two countries, Tajikistan and Pakistan.

Subsequently, the delegates discussed agenda items such as the election of the next executive committee and the host country and timing of the next assembly. Indonesia and Mongolia were elected as chair and vice-chair countries, respectively, and it was decided that the 8th General Assembly will be held in Indonesia in 2028. During the keynote presentations, participants shared the outcomes of AFACI projects implemented in Nepal and discussed future technological cooperation strategies to enhance the sustainability of agriculture in Asia.

AFACI is promoting multilateral technological cooperation projects to address common agricultural issues in Asia. Launched in 2009 with six member countries, including Korea, it now has 15 participating member countries.

With the addition of Tajikistan and Pakistan at this General Assembly, the number of member countries has increased to 17. To date, a total of 26 projects have been completed or are underway. A total of 281 experts and farmers who have completed education and training programs are making significant contributions to improving agricultural productivity and increasing farm incomes in their respective countries.

Seo Hyowon, Deputy Director of the Rural Development Administration, stated, "This 7th AFACI General Assembly provided an opportunity to reflect on the achievements and significance of Korea's agricultural technology in contributing to agricultural development in Asia," and added, "We will continue to pursue close cooperation to support the sustainable agricultural development and food security of member countries."