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Vulnerable Asia-Pacific Nations Push for Faster Agrifood Transformation ...
22 April 2026, Brunei Darussalam: Ministers and senior officials from across Asia and the Pacific gathered at a special high-level meeting during the 38th Session of the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations Regional Conference to address the growing agrifood challenges faced by some of the region’s most vulnerable countries. Held in Bandar Seri Begawan and hosted by Brunei Darussalam, the meeting focused on accelerating agrifood system transformation in Small Island Developing States (SIDS), Least Developed Countries (LDCs), and Landlocked Developing Countries (LLDCs), many of which remain structurally disadvantaged in their path toward food security and agricultural development. Opening the session, QU Dongyu, Director-General of FAO, said these nations continue to face persistent vulnerabilities including geographic isolation, rising transport costs, climate shocks, fragile ecosystems, limited public finances, and heavy dependence on food imports. These pressures have intensified amid increasing climate variability, supply chain disruptions, and changing global trade patterns. Despite these obstacles, Qu said there is reason for optimism, noting that countries across the region are adopting innovative solutions to modernize agriculture, improve resilience, and create more inclusive rural economies. The ministerial event was designed to encourage the exchange of ideas on how vulnerable countries can advance their agrifood goals through stronger policies, new financing models, innovation, and partnerships. Discussions are also expected to help shape FAO’s future support priorities, including analytics, investment planning, capacity building, and technical cooperation. Two ministerial panels were held during the event. The first focused on agrifood systems transformation, while the second examined how finance and partnerships can help scale impact. Ministers from Bhutan, Laos, Papua New Guinea, and Tonga shared national experiences, highlighting sustainability, governance reforms, livestock development, and responses to climate and economic shocks. Senior officials from Cambodia, Mongolia, and Tuvalu discussed investment readiness, strengthening value chains, improving market access, and building climate resilience through strategic partnerships. FAO Initiatives Gain Momentum Delegates highlighted several FAO programmes that are already supporting progress across the region, including Hand-in-Hand, One Country One Priority Produc...
How Is Sri Lanka Industrial Recovery And Transformation In 2026?
Sri Lanka industrial recovery continues to build positive momentum through coordinated policy reforms, enhanced financing access, and strategic initiatives led by the Ministry of Industries and Entrepreneurship Development. The Q1 2026 progress report titled “Driving Industrial Recovery and Transformation” outlines tangible advancements in modernizing the industrial landscape, expanding support for small and medium enterprises (SMEs), and fostering private sector-led growth. Deputy Minister Chathuranga Abeysinghe has highlighted these developments, emphasizing the shift toward a more resilient, innovative, and competitive manufacturing sector. Also in Explained | What Does Sri Lanka Personal Income Tax Update Mean for Employees and Businesses in 2026/27? The Q1 2026 Progress Report: Key Highlights from the Ministry The Ministry’s Q1 2026 progress report details focused efforts across policy and regulatory modernization, improved financing mechanisms, industrial recovery measures, and strengthened international collaboration. Key achievements include the advancement of a comprehensive policy and regulatory framework aimed at creating an enabling environment for industrial transformation. Significant progress was also recorded in SME financing, with streamlined processes enabling faster and more inclusive access to capital. These steps reflect a structured approach to addressing longstanding challenges while capitalizing on emerging opportunities for sustainable growth. Sri Lanka’s Industrial Sector Performance in Recent Years Sri Lanka’s economy recorded a 5.0 percent growth rate in 2025, according to official estimates from the Department of Census and Statistics. The industrial sector led this expansion with the highest growth rate of 7.8 percent among major economic activities. Industry contributed approximately 25.4 percent to GDP at current prices, underscoring its critical role in national economic performance alongside services and agriculture. Export performance provided further support to industrial recovery. Total exports reached encouraging levels in 2025, with apparel exports crossing the US$ 5 billion mark for the first time, recording approximately US$ 5.02 billion and reflecting steady demand in key international markets. This milestone highlights the sector’s resilience and capacity to contribute meaningfully to foreign exchange earnings. Policy Reforms and Institutional Developments The new policy architecture focuses on streamlinin...
Accelerating Comprehensive Risk Management in Agrifood Systems
Enhancing agrifood systems resilience through comprehensive risk management Current challenges and gaps in accelerating resilience-building in agrifood systems call for policy coherence and integrated planning and implementation.
Cleantech and Pepsi partner to accelerate Sri Lanka's Circular Economy ...
In picture (left to right): Dakshitha Rukshan - Assistant Manager, ESG & Sustainability -Pepsi Sri Lanka, Ms. Eresha Kumburulanda - Legal Head, Amit Joshi - Country Head, Phiroze Pestonjee - Managing Director, Abans Environmental Services (Pvt) Ltd, Zev Pestonjee - Manager, Environmental & Sustainability, Kasun Thennakoon - Assistant General Manager, Circular Economy Services ...
