The event is jointly held by the AFA and the Vietnam Farmers’ Union (VFU).
In his opening speech, VFU Vice Chairman Nguyen Duy Luong stressed that the union has actively joined in AFA activities and made many proposals in a number of regional consultative workshops to tackle difficulties for Vietnamese and regional farmers.
Tsai Shun Te, AFA Chairman, said the association has created a network of farmers in the region to share experiences and initiatives, helping its member countries sustainably develop their agriculture, reduce poverty and create policies for their farmers.
AFA has also protected the rights of small farmers and boosted solidarity, friendship and cooperation, as well as building capacity for farmers’ associations, he added.
Participants discussed AFA strategy and orientation for the next five years, which will be meeting the interest of farmers, fishermen, rural women, young people and local communities in Asia.
Support policies for regional rice production, the impact of food price and climate change on agricultural production, and its opportunities and potential were also debated at the meeting.
AFA members highlighted challenges that farmers have to face during the modernization and industrialization process, adding that suitable policies should be formulated for farmers, with a sustainable orientation for the coming years.