On 24 January 2025, AFSIS Secretariat joined the meeting in collaboration with The APTERR Secretariat and the Asian Development Bank (ADB) in successfully co-organized a hybrid workshop on “Building Resilient Rice Market and Robust Policy Framework in Asia” The event fostered meaningful discussions on strengthening food security and stabilizing rice markets through effective policy strategies.

The workshop was structured into three insightful sessions. The first session focused on “Building Resilient Rice Markets in Asia: Lessons Learned from Rice Market Crises” offering valuable perspectives on how past crises have shaped current market dynamics. The second session, the highlight of the workshop, was dedicated to the "ASEAN Integrated Food Security Framework: Findings from ADB’s Review," providing key insights from ADB’s comprehensive review. The final session addressed "Actions for Building Resilient Rice Markets," emphasizing actionable strategies to build robust rice markets in the future.

Dr. Sumanya Ngandee, AFSIS Manager, took the opportunity to brief attendees on the overview of AFSIS and the current status of AFSIS, the result of the Joint Understanding of the 22nd AFSIS Focal Point Meeting, which the 24TH AMAF Plus Three Meeting welcomed and endorsed the Joint Understanding from the 22nd AFSIS Focal Point Meeting to ensure the sustainability of AFSIS. This Joint Understanding is a non-legal document aimed at enhancing AFSIS’ role, function, and long-term viability.

The workshop concluded with a positive and productive outcome. Not only did it draw valuable lessons from past rice market crises, but it also served as a crucial platform for experts from diverse fields to discuss and propose strategies to enhance food security and develop resilient rice markets across Asia. These discussions were in alignment with the findings from ADB’s review of the ASEAN Integrated Food Security Framework.

This collaborative effort is seen as a significant step toward strengthening Asia's rice market resilience and ensuring sustainable food security in the region.