Rep o rt of th e tw en - Rotterdam Convention

number of problems still exist, and the focus would now shift towards the enforcement of the code.
He also noted that the region as a whole has developed a general plant protection programme, but
more work is needed to further strengthen organization structures, pesticide legislation and registration,
and safe handling methods. Priority recommendations put forward were also expected to boost and
improve plant quarantine services.
Reiterating APPPC’s leading role in supporting farmers, Dr He then outlined measures required
to achieve environmental sustainability. He also pointed out the need for the delegates to bring to
the attention of national authorities the importance of the deposition of acceptance of the agreement
as soon as possible.
1.5 Inaugural address by the Honourable Dr Suthiporn Chirapanda, Deputy
Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Agriculture and Cooperatives, Thailand
In his address, the Honourable Dr Suthiporn extended a warm welcome to delegates, observers
and guests to the opening of the 24 th APPPC meeting. Noting the importance of agriculture amongst
APPPC member countries, he believed there was need to strengthen regional bonds for the exchange
of agricultural knowledge and information through forums such these. He was particularly pleased
with the progress in farmers’ education through the FFSs and the implementation of IPM. He
congratulated the APPPC for the adoption of the Guidelines for the Development of Heat Disinfestations
Treatments of Fruit Fly Host Commodities and the Training Requirements for Plant Q uarantine
Inspectors.
Dr Suthiporn observed the wide coverage of the agenda, especially the implementation of
the International Code of Conduct on the Distribution and Use of Pesticides, and progress in the
Convention of the Prior Informed Consent. He hoped that the Convention would adopt the two
draft standards.
While stressing the importance of the protection of indigenous plants from unwanted alien
species, Dr Suthiporn noted that phytosanitary measures undertaken should not pose a barrier to
trade. He also announced the promotion of organic agriculture by the Government of Thailand
since December 2004, and he looked forward to a successful conclusion on the related IPM and
pesticide management discussions.
Finally, Dr Suthiporn thanked Mr Piao, Executive Secretary of the Commission and his team
for setting the agenda which will contribute toward the Millennium Development Goal of halving
world hunger by 2015. Wishing all participants success in their deliberations, he then declared
open the 24 th Session of the Asia and Pacific Plant Protection Commission.
1.6 Election of the Chairperson and V ice-Chairpersons of the 24 th Session, the
Drafting Committee and the adoption of the provisional agenda and timetable
1.6 .1 Election of the Chairperson and V ice-Chairperson of the 24 th Session
Thailand was elected Chairperson of the 24 th session of the APPPC.
The elected countries to the Vice-Chairpersons were:
China
India
Malaysia
New Zealand
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