CL 174 Side Event: Launch Event for the Implementation of Country Projects on the One Country One Priority Product Initiative under the Framework of the FAO China South-South Cooperation Programme Opening Remarks

Excellencies,

Ladies and Gentlemen,

Dear Colleagues,

Welcome to this side event during which we will update you on progress made in the One Country One Priority Product (OCOP) Initiative, which we launched in September 2021.

As well as how our longstanding FAO-China South-South Cooperation Programme will be instrumental in the next phases of Initiative’s implementation.

Over the last two years, we have focused on unlocking the potential of Special Agricultural Products – for better production, better nutrition, a better environment, and a better life, leaving no one behind.

These products have:

• unique economic value;
• geographic advantages; and
• specific farming practices and cultural heritages.

Most importantly, these products have been identified and selected by countries themselves, in line with their specific circumstances.

The OCOP initiative is a powerful catalyst for transformation and for accelerating progress in the implementation of the FAO Strategic Framework 2022-31, in support of the 2030 Agenda and the SDGs.

In this regard, it supports FAO’s key objective to support Members to achieve SDG 2 – Zero Hunger.

The OCOP initiative is being implemented across all five FAO Regions.

So far, over USD 14 million has been mobilized – from various sources – to begin implementation in 53 countries.

To advance this work, we have tapped into our FAO toolbox of existing mechanisms and partnerships, platforms, and programmes, as well as FAO’s vast technical expertise work.

FAO has been at the forefront of South-South and Triangular Cooperation for over 40 years.

We have built a large portfolio by partnering with Members from the Global North and South.

The People’s Republic of China has been the longest-standing partner of this programme, providing a total of USD 130 million to the FAO-China South-South Cooperation.

Now, China is contributing an additional USD 5 million to further unlock the potential of these products and their value-chains.

This is the largest single contribution for OCOP, and funds will be directly allocated to 15 countries to build capacity and share knowledge.

I wish to thank the Government of China for the continued support.

We need to continue to invest in sustainable agriculture and rural development, and in initiatives like OCOP and South-South and Triangular Cooperation, because:

One: it is key in supporting Members to produce more with less;

Two: it will optimize agrifood value chains, while minimizing negative environmental and social impacts;

Three: it puts farmers at the center;

Four: it will open doors to new market opportunities and contribute to diversifying diets; and

Five: it is country-owned and country-led, focusing on a country’s needs, priorities and comparative advantages.

Dear Colleagues,

Our goal is to be able to support all the 83 countries who have expressed interest in engaging in this initiative.

We welcome your collaboration and partnerships that will support OCOP with innovation, technical and human resource support – all these dimensions are needed for effective support.

We look forward to continuing working with all partners and development actors, and strengthening and broadening these partnerships.

At the country level, we will link OCOP with other strategic initiatives like the Hand-in-Hand and the 1 000 Digital Village initiatives.

With this focus on strategic products and value chains, we can make a real impact for small-scale farmers and rural communities around the world to support the transformation of global agrifood systems to be more efficient, more inclusive, more resilient, and more sustainable.

Thank you.