The 17th IMT-GT Working Group on Agriculture and Agro-based Industry (WGAA) meeting was held on 16-17 July 2024 in Putrajaya, Malaysia. Chaired by Mrs. Siti Salwahanim Binti Mohd Nazir, Undersecretary, International Division, Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security (MAFS) Malaysia, the Meeting brought together officials from Indonesia, Malaysia and Thailand, including Dr. Ir. Siti Munifah from the Ministry of Agriculture Indonesia, Dr. Vanida Khupnirpetch from the Ministry of Agriculture and Cooperatives Thailand, Director of CIMT, and representatives from Joint Business Council (JBC) Malaysia and IMT-GT University Network (UNINET).
The Meeting focused on reviewing the progress of ongoing projects under the Implementation Blueprint (IB) 2022-2026, with a particular emphasis on the Mid-Term Review (MTR) of the IB. The MTR aims to assess achievements and identify areas for improvement in the agriculture and agro-based industry sector under the IB. The Meeting acknowledged that the strategies were developed during the post-COVID environment, and as circumstances change, it is essential to adapt and reprioritise focus areas accordingly.
The Meeting emphasised the importance of collaboration, stressing the need for convergence and cross-working group efforts to address current challenges and issues. It also highlighted the critical role of projects such as Smart Farmer Technology: Smart Choice for Young Farmers in leveraging technology to boost agricultural productivity and addressing environmental concerns.
Following the meeting, delegates visited the Saudagar Nanas Agrofarm, a pineapple plantation offering a unique experience for visitors. Delegates had the opportunity to explore the farm, discovering the process of pineapple cultivation from propagation to processing. The visit showcased the diverse range of products derived from pineapples, including food, clothing, skincare, and handicrafts. The Agrofarm was a great example of how local MSMEs can thrive in the agro-tourism sector, with technical assistance from the Government.
#Indonesia #Malaysia #Thailand #IMTGT #CIMT #growthtriangle #subregional #cooperation #wgaa #agriculture #agrobased #industry
