the South African High Commission and South African Business Chamber participated in a roundtable and food festival at the Pan Pacific Hotel, focusing on global food security and sustainable trade.
On August 14, 2024, the South African High Commission in Singapore, supported by the South African Business Chamber of Commerce, took part in the ASEAN + BRICS Food Security Roundtable and Food Festival/Exhibition. The event, organised by Diplomatic Network Asia (DNA), was held at the Pan Pacific Hotel, Raffles Boulevard, Singapore. It gathered business leaders and members of the diplomatic community for discussions on food security and sustainable trade.
The roundtable featured three interactive panels with Ambassadors and High Commissioners from BRICS and ASEAN nations. The first panel, “Global Strategies for Sustainable Trade and Food Security,” included HE Sengkeo Pouangpadith, Ambassador of Laos; HE Nicolay Kudashev, Ambassador of Russia; and HE Madiepetsane Charlotte Lobe, High Commissioner of South Africa.
The second panel, “Aligning Sustainable Trade Practices Across ASEAN and BRICS,” featured HE Eugenia Barthelmess, Ambassador of Brazil; HE Cao Zhongming, Ambassador of China; and HE Alex Tilman, Ambassador of Timor-Leste.
The third panel, “Future Challenges and South-South Collaboration,” included HE Ahmed Mostafa A. Mohamed, Ambassador of Egypt; and HE Ureerat Chareontoh, Ambassador of the Royal Kingdom of Thailand, represented by Ms. Arunee Hiam, Deputy Director-General of the Thailand International Cooperation Agency.
The discussions emphasised that food security encompasses not only the availability of food but also adequate nutrition, human rights, and national security. Achieving food security requires ensuring that people, regardless of their location, have consistent access to sufficient, safe, and nutritious food that meets their dietary needs.
The roundtable also highlighted the importance of agricultural trade for countries with varying domestic resources. It stressed that stability, collaboration, and partnerships at bilateral, regional, and global levels are essential for food security, economic prosperity, and sustainable development. The impacts of climate change, conflicts, and geopolitical tensions were noted as significant risks to the trade supply chain.
Following the roundtable, attendees enjoyed a Food Festival Hall featuring food and wine tasting. The South African Chamber of Commerce, in partnership with the High Commission, hosted a South African booth offering a selection of traditional dishes and wines. The booth also promoted the “Visit South Africa” campaign, encouraging Singaporeans and expatriates to explore South Africa.
Source: South African High Commission, Singapore
