ASEAN and Japan have reinforced their commitment to advancing regional food standards and human resource development through the successful convening of the Advisory Committee Meeting and the Workshop on Shaping the Future of Food Standards in ASEAN, held on 18–19 November in Jakarta, Indonesia.
Organised under the ASEAN–MAFF HRD Project, the annual Advisory Committee Meeting serves as a vital platform for stakeholders from ASEAN Member States, Implementing Agencies and Japan, to review progress, assess strategic priorities, and provide policy guidance. The forum ensures that the Project continues to deliver impactful programmes that reflect the evolving needs of the region’s agri-food sector.
Discussions over the two-day meeting highlighted a number of strategic directions for the 2026 implementation cycle. Delegates underscored the importance of expanding the Food Value Chain Programme to reach a wider group of beneficiaries and stimulate stronger multi-sector collaboration. The enhancement of competencies in Food Safety Management remains priority, especially in deepening technical expertise in HACCP, strengthening audit capabilities and improving understanding of the Japan Food Safety Standard (JFS) to support safer food production and improving competitiveness in regional and global market.
The meeting concluded with a strong sense of shared purpose and continued collaboration. The outcomes will play an important role in guiding the next phase of the ASEAN–MAFF HRD Project, focused on sustainable agricultural development, strengthened food systems, and long-term regional resilience.