YANGON, April 4 (Xinhua) -- The Myanmar Rice Federation (MRF) has called for enhanced cooperation among the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) to cope with challenges and seek shared development at an industrial summit.
Chairman of MRF, U Ye Min Aung, made the remarks at the ASEAN Rice Trade Summit 2026 on Saturday, an event that he said seeks to strengthen collaboration among ASEAN rice industry stakeholders, promote sustainable rice production and trade, and enhance regional food security while expanding the global market.
Facing similar problems and challenges such as decreasing yields, quality issues, high fertilizer prices, and fuel difficulties, he said that cooperation among neighboring countries is essential.
Rather than each nation trying individually, collaboration can bring more fruitful results, he added.
The ASEAN Rice Trade Summit is a high-level regional platform dedicated to strengthening cooperation and advancing the rice industry across ASEAN. The first meeting was initiated in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam, marking the first gathering of its kind in the ASEAN rice sector, according to the MRF. ■