On 13 August 2025, the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) and the ASEAN Secretariat held the second Joint Coordination Committee (JCC) Meeting for the ASEAN-JICA Food Value Chain Development Project (AJFVC). The hybrid meeting, which combined in-person and virtual participation, brought together representatives from various ASEAN member states and Timor-Leste, highlighting the ongoing collaborative efforts of AJFVC progress activities and future plans.
Dr. Kanchana Wanichkorn, Director of Sectoral Development for the ASEAN Economic Community, opened the meeting by emphasizing the AJFVC’s essential role within the ASEAN-Japan MIDORI Cooperation Plan. She expressed her gratitude for the continued support from the Japanese government in advancing ASEAN’s post-2025 policy frameworks.
The meeting was chaired by Dr. Pham Quang Minh, Assistant Director, Food, Agriculture and Forestry Division and included a presentation from UMEZAKI Michiko, Chief Advisor of AJFVC, and the consultants for each output of AJFVC. They provided insights into the project’s current status, highlighting ongoing activities and outlining future plans for the initiative.
OKAMURA Kenji, Senior Representative of the JICA Indonesia office, concluded the meeting by thanking the AMSs and the ASEAN Secretariat for their cooperation and engagement. He reaffirmed the commitment to advancing the strategic priorities of ASEAN, especially in enhancing the capacity of member states to improve food value chains throughout the region.
