CSAM’s Work Highlighted at the 75th ESCAP Session

ESCAP-CSAM

The work of the Centre for Sustainable Agricultural Mechanization (CSAM) was highlighted at the 75th Session of the Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (ESCAP) held from 27-31 May 2019 in Bangkok, Thailand. The annual Commission session provides a forum for all governments of the region to review and discuss economic and social issues and to strengthen regional cooperation.

The Chair of the Fourteenth Session of the Governing Council of CSAM, Dr. Saruth Chan, Under Secretary of State of the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries of Cambodia, presented an overview of the deliberations and outcomes of the Governing Council session to the plenary of the Commission. The Chair noted the appreciation expressed by the Governing Council for the range of activities of the Centre and its role as a regional platform on sustainable agricultural mechanization. He informed that the Governing Council has recommended the Centre address the areas of providing technical assistance, supporting all segments of the value chain, promoting public-private partnerships, facilitating engagement of youth, enabling mechanization solutions for various subsectors, and undertaking collaboration with relevant partners. He conveyed that the Governing Council has invited all ESCAP members and associate members to explore opportunities to collaborate with the Centre and other development partners. He also urged all ESCAP members and associate members to support the work of the Centre through voluntary contributions.

In addition to the briefing by the Chair, the national delegations of China, Cambodia, Japan and Thailand made statements noting the important role of CSAM for promoting sustainable agricultural mechanization in the region, expressing appreciation for the Centre’s work, and/or underscoring their countries’ engagement with CSAM’s programmes. The delegations of China, India, Indonesia and Thailand also announced voluntary financial contributions to CSAM as a mark of their support.

Following the briefing by the Chair and the subsequent deliberations, the Commission endorsed the report of the Governing Council of CSAM on its Fourteenth Session held on 30 November 2018 in Yogyakarta, Indonesia.

Guests and national delegates at the Commission session also visited an exhibition booth set up by CSAM showcasing its activities and publications in relation to the Commission session’s theme of ‘Empowering people and ensuring inclusiveness and equality.’ Her Royal Highness Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn of Thailand, Dr. Saruth Chan, Under Secretary of State of the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries of Cambodia, and Mr. LI Hong, Permanent Representative of China to ESCAP, were among the dignitaries who visited the CSAM booth.