(PRAMOTE POLYAMATE)

The world is suffering from food shortages.Since the outbreak of COVID-19,labor shortages,food supply disruptions,and rising transportation costs have negatively affected food production in many countries.The outbreak and continuation of the Russia-Ukraine confilct has added to the pressure on global food supply and caused fulctuations in international food prices.In March this year,the UN FAO food price index hit a record high.Although the index fell a little subsequently,the food crisis is far from over.

Southeast Asian countries have been heavily affected by international markets.Vulnerable groups have suffered the most from rising food prices.According to a July FAO report,43 million people in Southeast Asia are malnourished,and about 350 million people cannot afford the cost of US$4 per person per day for healthy diet.Recent achievements in poverty reduction are facing daunting challenges.

Strengthening international cooperation is an effective strategy to tackle the food crisis.Over the years,China has carried out extensive and pragmatic agricultural cooperation with Southeast Asian countries.The neighbors have deepened cooperation in agricultural technology exchange and agricultural trade to the great benefti of all stakeholders.Massive potential for China-ASEAN agricultural cooperation is still yet to be tapped.Strengthening cooperation is the only way forward to cope with the crisis with win-win outcomes.