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기사입력 : 2025.03.10 08:31
The
Ministry of Agriculture, Food, and Rural Affairs hosted the first APEC (Asia
Pacific Economic Cooperation) Food Security Policy Working Group meeting of
2025 from March 4 to 6 at the HICO Convention Center in Gyeongju. This marks a
significant year for South Korea, as it holds the APEC chairmanship for the
first time in 20 years. In this role, South Korea will organize key APEC
meetings, including the Leaders’ Summit, Senior Officials’ Meetings, and
various ministerial conferences, across different cities such as Gyeongju,
Incheon, and Jeju.
The
three-day meeting brought together approximately 120 participants from 21 APEC
member economies to evaluate previous achievements and establish the theme for
the upcoming 2025 APEC Food Security Ministerial Meeting (FSMM). The selected
theme, "Driving Innovation in Agri-Food Systems for Shared
Prosperity," underscores the importance of policy and institutional
innovation, including advancements in agricultural technology. The discussions
also covered progress on the APEC 2030 Food Security Roadmap and included
deliberations on amending the operational guidelines of the Food Security
Policy Working Group, which are set to expire this year.
As
preparations continue, the Food Security Ministerial Meeting (FSMM) is set to
take place in August in Songdo, Incheon. During this meeting, agricultural
ministers from APEC member economies will share agri-food innovation strategies
and explore collaborative approaches to strengthening regional food security.
They will also consider adopting a joint declaration to reinforce these
efforts. In preparation, working-level officials will hold virtual meetings and
a second policy working group session to refine the agenda and key discussion
points.
On March
4, the first day of the meeting, participants visited Yangdong Village in
Gyeongju, one of Korea’s most well-preserved traditional rural villages.
Recognized as both National Folklore Cultural Heritage No. 189 and a UNESCO
World Heritage Site, Yangdong Village features historical hanok (traditional
Korean houses) and thatched-roof homes dating back to the Joseon Dynasty.
Delegates were greeted with a samulnori (Korean traditional percussion)
performance and explored the village, experiencing the charm of Korea’s
historical rural lifestyle. They also engaged in hands-on cultural activities,
including making tteok (Korean rice cakes) and yeot (traditional Korean taffy),
providing them with a deeper understanding of Korea’s rich food culture.
Jung
Hye-ryeon, Director General for International Cooperation at the Ministry of
Agriculture, Food, and Rural Affairs, highlighted the significance of the
event, stating, “Hosting APEC 2025 provides a meaningful opportunity for
participants to experience the beauty and cultural value of Korea’s rural areas
firsthand. We will make every effort to ensure the success of the August Food
Security Ministerial Meeting and deliver tangible outcomes that contribute to
food security in the Asia-Pacific region.”
With South
Korea hosting APEC 2025, the discussions and initiatives set forth in these
early meetings will shape the region’s agricultural and food security policies
for years to come. The upcoming FSMM in August will serve as a platform to
foster deeper collaboration among APEC member economies, ensuring that
innovation and shared prosperity remain at the forefront of food security
discussions.
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