Timeline

Why do we need guidelines specific to ASEAN?

The primary purpose of the Guidelines is to promote investment in food, agriculture and forestry in the ASEAN region that contributes to regional economic development, food and nutrition security, food safety and equitable benefits, as well as the sustainable use of natural resources. Other objectives include:

Why do we need guidelines specific to ASEAN?

Investment in FAF is one of the most critical ways for ASEAN countries to provide employment and livelihoods, reduce poverty and improve food and nutrition security. However, there are a number of risks associated with private sector investment, particularly foreign investment.

When done badly, private sector investment can exacerbate existing inequalities, undermine the livelihoods of smallholder farmers,indigenous peoples, and natural resources.

But when done well, and integrated with the local economy, increased investment can help generate employment and promote economic development. All stakeholders have a role to play in ensuring positive outcomes, and each faces a unique yet interlocking set of risks and challenges.

Investment in FAF creates challenges for AMS in the following six key areas:

Why do we need guidelines specific to ASEAN?

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Each phase of the 10-year Action Plan aims to increase private investors’ adoption and uptake of ASEAN RAI, integrate ASEAN RAI into national policy frameworks, and empower stakeholders with knowledge to ensure investments are made responsibly at the local level.

Phase 1 (2020 – 2022)

Create and test Learning and Accreditation Program (LAP)
Support 2-3 ASEAN Member States (AMS) to integrate RAI into policies
Share investor case studies that show how to apply RAI
Build investment inventory

Phase 2
(2023-2026)

Embed LAP into regional institution
Support 2-3 additional AMS with policy integration
Support investors to use RAI assessment tools
Train CSOs and farmer groups at national level

Phase 3
(2027-2030)

Train 400+ participants through LAP
Support intra-AMS policy analysis and support
Measure long-term impact of RAI in ASEAN