The 33rd session of the FAO Regional Conference for Asia and the Pacific (APRC) convened in Putrajaya, Malaysia, It will conclude on 11 March 2016.It was hosted by the Ministry of Agriculture & Agro-Based Industry, Malaysia.

The conference will focus on the opportunities and challenges in the region and priority areas of work to improve food security and nutrition, increase agricultural productivity, raise the standard of living in rural populations and contribute to sustainable economic growth.

Agriculture ministers from 46 countries across Asia and the Pacific are expected to participate. Representatives from international non-governmental organizations, intergovernmental organizations, United Nations organizations, civil society organizations and the media are also expected to attend.

During the first three days, 7 to 9 March, senior government officers will hold in-depth discussions focusing on policy and regulatory issues in the Asia-Pacific region and globally. On 10 and 11 March, a two-day ministerial segment will convene, focusing on measures to speed up progress of alleviating hunger and improving nutrition in Asia-Pacific countries.

Most specifically, the discussions will focus on the state of agriculture across the region, including future prospects and emerging issues in the framework of Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs); revitalizing the rural economy through enhanced linkages between small-scale  agricultural production and value chains; promoting national nutrition policies and investments, and integrating nutrition objectives into food and agriculture policy, program design and implementation; and ‘blue growth.’ Further discussions will be held on emerging issues, FAO priority activities, matters regarding the program and budget, the organization’s decentralization process and a multi-year program of work.