BRICS Agri-Food Cooperation Key To Global Economy, Trade Development

KUALA LUMPUR, June 4 (Bernama) -- Cooperation in the agri-food sector among BRICS member states, as well as between the group and other nations, will largely determine the future development of the global economy and trade, according to the Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO) representative in Russia.

Director of the FAO Liaison Office with the Russian Federation, Oleg Kobiakov, said BRICS member states account for more than one-third of global gross domestic product (GDP) and a significant share of international trade, including agricultural products and related industries, TV BRICS reported.

“The principal direction here is undoubtedly ensuring the sustainable development of agri-food systems.

“This includes creating a regulatory framework, exchanging best practices, ensuring fair market access conditions for producers, and embracing the entire spectrum of innovations related to artificial intelligence and the application of scientific achievements at the nano-molecular level, including in plant and animal breeding,” he said in an interview with TV BRICS at the St. Petersburg International Economic Forum (SPIEF).

Kobiakov said the population of the BRICS countries, which accounts for 42 per cent of the world’s population, is becoming younger, making it essential to focus on youth in the development of the agricultural sector, as they represent the future of global production and consumption.

He also emphasised the importance of developing and supporting farming, describing farmers as a pillar of social stability.

“In most countries around the world, a significant share of agricultural production is provided by farms. Farmers help maintain vibrant rural communities,” Kobiakov noted.

The 29th SPIEF is underway in St. Petersburg, Russia, until June 6.

-- BERNAMA