ME conflicts spur need to boost emergency food reserves

THE ongoing situation in the Middle East presents challenges that could impact not only ASE­AN’s energy security but also food systems, supply chains, and overall economic performance. Consequently, it is essential to in­crease emergency food reserves, stated U Aung Kyaw Hoe, Union Minister for National Planning, Investment and Foreign Eco­nomic Relations.

The Union minister made these remarks during the Special Meeting of the ASEAN Econom­ic Community (AEC) Council Ministers concerning the Middle East conflict, held on 30 April.

Regarding the potential im­pact of this crisis on global food supply chains and price stability, he further noted that disruptions in trade routes and rising trans­portation costs are putting sig­nificant pressure on businesses that rely on food imports.

He also called for an accel­eration of investments in renew­able energy, such as solar, wind, and hydropower, noting that the volatile global energy market affects countries dependent on energy imports.

According to reports from the World Food Programme, the escalation of conflicts in the Mid­dle East has caused fuel prices to surge, which in turn has also driven up food prices across My­anmar. — Htun Htun/ZN