Thailand to host ASEAN+3 agricultural ministers meetings Sept 27-30

BANGKOK, September 20 (TNA) - Thailand will host the upcoming Meeting of the ASEAN Ministers on Agriculture and Forestry and the Meeting of the ASEAN Ministers on Agriculture and Forestry Plus Three in the northern resort Chiang Mai Province during September 27-30. Thai Agricultural and Cooperatives Minister General Chatchai Sarikulya told journalists of the upcoming regional gathering on Wednesday, noting that he will present and publicize royal principles of late His Majesty King Bhumibol Adulyadej to his regional counterparts. General Chatchai said the royal principles on agriculture introduced by the late and revered Thai monarch are believed to be beneficial to the development of the farm sector of other member countries of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) and the 10-member bloc's three key dialogue partners, including China, Japan and South Korea. Besides, Thailand will raise issues related to the illegal, unreported and unregulated (IUU) fishing for discussions at the forthcoming regional gathering. The Thai minister revealed that he will also lead his regional counterparts for a field trip at the Huai Hongkhrai Royal Development Study Center on September 30. According to the Thai minister, his ministry, will also, meanwhile, organize a three-day event, set during September 21-23 in Chon Buri Province in the Thai East, aimed to develop needed skills of Thai farmers and their production efficiency, as well as to promote their long-term cooperation through the networking approach. (TNA)