'Boost production to tackle global crisis'

Japanese Prime Minister Yasuo Fukuda yesterday urged world governments to step up agriculture production to ease the global crisis over rising food prices.

Fukuda said he would focus on the need to boost agricultural production as well as access to clean water and climate change at the July 7-9 summit of the Group of Eight leading nations in Hokkaido, which he would chair.

"It is imperative that issues such as water and food do not become impediment to Asia's development," he said in a recorded speech to business and government leaders at a two-day global economic forum here.

"I will ensure that the assembled leaders hold a thorough discussion so that we will be able to state, as G8, our determination and response to reach a solution to these issues," he said. "I appeal for more agriculture development and the support (from governments) to see it through."

He didn't give further details.

Food prices have risen worldwide in recent months due to a combination of high oil prices, growing demand, extreme weather, higher biofuel production and speculation. This has triggered protests in parts of Africa and Asia and raised fears of widespread malnutrition and economic instability.

Agencies

(China Daily 06/17/2008 page16)