BANGKOK: Malaysia has proposed the creation of the Asean Rural Development and Innovation Council (Ardic) to strengthen regional cooperation in rural development across South-East Asia.
Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi (pic) said the council would serve as a permanent platform to coordinate policies, share innovations and collectively strengthen rural development across the region.
“Ardic is expected to be a key driver in enhancing the exchange of technology, best practices and expertise among all 11 Asean nations,” he told Bernama after attending the 14th Asean Ministers Meeting on Rural Development and Poverty Eradication (14th AMRDPE) here yesterday.
Ahmad Zahid, who is on a three-day working visit to Thailand, is heading the Malaysian delegation at the event and related meetings.
He said Malaysia wishes for the benefits of Asean’s prosperity to be shared through experience sharing among member countries, particularly those yet to attain sustainable rural development.
Ahmad Zahid, who is also Rural and Regional Development Minister, said Malaysia will celebrate Rural Development Day in July next year, in line with the United Nations declaration, to highlight the role of rural communities in achieving the Sustainable Development Goals and improving their quality of life.
He also said Malaysia would continue to focus on rural development through an innovation-driven approach, community engagement, digitalisation and the expansion of Technical and Vocational Education and Training to enhance the well-being of the people and eradicate poverty.
Ahmad Zahid said Malaysia would carry on with major investments in rural infrastructure, including RM2.3bil for 1,364 road projects and RM195.2mil to provide clean water to 5,000 homes.
He said other investments include RM159.47mil to ensure a stable power supply for 2,010 recipients, as well as RM364.45mil through the Perumahan Rakyat Sejahtera Programme, which has helped over 10,000 families improve their quality of life.
“At the same time, efforts to enhance rural socioeconomics will be strengthened to support 55,400 entrepreneurs, particularly via digitalisation, for them to access Asean markets,” he said.
The 14th AMRDPE also saw two Malaysian organisations – Energy Action Partners and GE Nitrate Solutions – receive the Asean Leadership Award in recognition of their contributions to rural development and poverty eradication.
