Vang Vieng, 6 June 2024: ERIA is honoured to deliver a presentation at the 44th ASEAN Food Security Reserve Board (AFSRB) Meeting held in Vang Vieng, Lao PDR, on 5–6 June 2024. The meeting was attended by AFSRB representatives from ASEAN Member States (AMS) and related stakeholders, including ERIA.

In his presentation, Masanori Kozono, ERIA Senior Policy Fellow, introduced ERIA's new research project related to Food Security in ASEAN, titled ‘Preliminary Study for Exploring “Local Resource-Based Food Reserve (LRBFR)” Mechanism in ASEAN Member States.’ This project was requested by the Ministry of Agriculture, Indonesia, as a follow-up to the ‘ASEAN Leaders’ Declaration on Strengthening Food Security and Nutrition in Response to Crises’. The declaration outlined the leaders’ commitments to rapid actions for food security in response to crises, as well as strengthening preparedness for long-term resilience and sustainability of agri-food systems. Last year, ERIA also supported the development of this ASEAN Leaders’ Declaration through knowledge input.

This study seeks to propose a concept note containing possible options for components of the LRBFR to contribute to discussions amongst AMS. The study will involve:

1. Assessing the existing food reserve mechanisms at regional and national levels.
2. Identifying suitable and feasible options for each element of the LRBFR, such as the depositing commitment method for contribution, release mechanism, level of stockpiling, commodity coverage, and more.
3. Outlining the related international rules to be considered.

ERIA will collaborate with related experts from AMS to carry out this study. Kozono concluded the presentation by requesting guidance and support from AMS for the successful implementation of this study.