The APTERR Secretariat hosted the 2nd preparatory meeting on the extension of Tier 1 between the Philippines and Japan for another 3-year period (2024-2027) on 17 September 2024 at the APTERR Secretariat office in Bangkok, Thailand.
Representatives from the Philippines, led by Dr. Larry R. Lacson, Administrator of the National Food Authority (NFA), together with his team- Ms. Rosalyn D. Comia, Acting Division Manager, and Atty. Maria Lucila Margarita P. Mangrobang, Executive Assistant V- and from Japan, led by Mr. Kenichi HIRANO, Director of Grain Trade and Operation Division, Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries (MAFF), accompanied by his team- Mr. Toshiki TOJO, Deputy Director, Grain Trade and Operation Division, and Mr. Hiroaki SATO, Section Chief, Grain Trade and Operation Division- were present at the meeting.
Dr. Choomjet Karnjanakesorn, General Manager of the APTERR Secretariat, warmly welcomed all participants to the APTERR Secretariat office. He expressed his gratitude and appreciation for efforts of both the Philippines and Japan in successfully finalising the Modification to the Memorandum of Cooperation for Tier 1 between the Philippines and Japan, marking the 3rd phase of their 3-year cooperation (2024-2027). This finalised Modification will be submitted to the APTERR Council for acknowledgement before an official signing, set for early October 2024 in the Philippines.
Notably, the Tier 1 between the Philippines and Japan remains the sole Tier 1 cooperation since the APTERR became the permanent regional mechanism in 2011. The APTERR Secretariat continues to actively encourage the APTERR member countries to participate in the Tier 1 programme, aiming to diversify their rice supply sources and enhance food security during emergencies.
