PROSPERITY
Promoting sustainable agriculture and aquaculture models, fostering technological innovation, and strengthening food security are
key components of Italian Development Cooperation’s engagement in the Indo-Pacific region. Through these interventions, AICS contributes
to inclusive and resilient rural development, in line with the Prosperity pillar of the 2030 Agenda.
Rural development across ASEAN Member States is characterized by considerable diversity. Alongside highly productive agricultural economies that are well integrated into international markets, significant disparities remain in contexts where the primary sector is constrained by low levels of mechanization, limited access to services, and restricted development opportunities. Territorial inequalities, combined with the impacts of climate change and increasing pressure on natural resources, make food security a strategic priority for the entire region.
In response to these challenges, ASEAN promotes initiatives aimed at strengthening the resilience of agrifood systems, improving rural livelihoods, and ensuring more equitable access to food. Italian Development Cooperation contributes to these objectives through regional initiatives that support innovation, knowledge transfer, and cooperation among ASEAN Member States.
Within the framework of the Italy-ASEAN Development Partnership, AICS Hanoi manages two regional initiatives in the sector.
The COOPMEC – Cooperation Mechanism for the Competitive Development of Aquaculture and Small-Scale Fisheries in ASEAN initiative supports the transition towards more sustainable, resilient, and competitive aquaculture and small-scale fisheries systems by strengthening institutional capacities and promoting regional cooperation.
The Scientific and Technical Support for Sustainable Agriculture in ASEAN Countries (3S Initiative) promotes the adoption of innovative agricultural practices and sustainable technologies aimed at increasing the resilience of production systems to climate change. The initiative focuses on the maize, cassava, and sugarcane value chains, supporting the introduction of agricultural mechanization solutions and technological innovation to enhance productivity and reduce pre- and post-harvest losses.
Initiatives
AID 013133 – Scientific and technical support for sustainable agriculture in ASEAN countries – 3S
AID 013115 – Cooperation mechanism for the competitive development of aquaculture and artisanal fisheries in ASEAN – COOPMEC