The agreement marks a significant step in APAARI’s institutional journey and regional cooperation in agricultural research and development!
Phnom Penh, Cambodia | 16 October 2026 — The Asia-Pacific Association of Agricultural Research Institutions (APAARI) has officially secured Intergovernmental Organization (IGO) status from the Royal Government of Cambodia. The recognition, granted on 14 October 2026, marks a major milestone in APAARI’s institutional development.
On 14 October 2026, H.E. KAN Pharidh, Acting Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, received a courtesy call from Dr. Ravi Khetarpal, Executive Director of APAARI. On that occasion, the two sides signed a Host Country Agreement concerning the establishment of APAARI’s headquarters in Cambodia.
H.E. KAN Pharidh welcomed the signing of the Agreement and underscored its importance in strengthening cooperation in agricultural research and development. He reaffirmed the Ministry’s continued support for establishing APAARI’s headquarters and operations in Cambodia.
Dr. Khetarpal expressed his sincere appreciation to the Royal Government of Cambodia for its support in facilitating the establishment of APAARI’s headquarters. He reaffirmed APAARI’s commitment to working closely with Cambodian institutions, particularly the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries (MAFF), to enhance cooperation in agriculture.
“This long-awaited legal status of APAARI as an IGO, courtesy Kingdom of Cambodia, has opened up a new dimension of operations for agri-food system transformation in the region and is bound to benefit all its members and partners.” — Dr. Ravi Khetarpal, Executive Director, APAARI
APAARI’s legal-status journey
APAARI’s formal process began with a focus on securing legal status through the Thai Government. Following governance discussions and engagement with Thai authorities, APAARI considered alternative approaches, including hosting by a member country.
Key meetings and milestones included:
- 13 December 2023: EC Subcommittee meeting on APAARI’s legal-status process.
- 21 December 2023: Further EC Subcommittee meeting.
- 11–12 January 2024: EC Subcommittee face-to-face meeting in Bangkok to discuss proposed constitutional amendments and an agreement among members.
- 1 February 2024: APAARI representatives, the EC Subcommittee Chair and a legal adviser met senior officials of Thailand’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA).
- 4 March 2024: Special EC Meeting on the legal-status process.
- 17 April 2024: Question-and-answer session for General Assembly Meeting (GAM) members.
- 28 May 2024: GAM approved the revised Constitution and associated legal-status documents.
- 4 June 2024: Meeting with Thailand’s MOFA.
- 5 July 2024: APAARI submitted an application to Thailand’s Department of Agriculture (DOA).
- 22 November 2024: Meeting with Thailand’s MOFA.
- 23 November 2024: Meeting with the Director General of DOA.
- January–February 2025: APAARI held three meetings with DOA.
- 26 March 2025: Meeting with MOFA.
- 28 March 2025: A Special EC Meeting considered four approaches: continuing the process in Thailand; seeking a member country willing to host APAARI; exploring integration with an existing international organization; and registering in one country while operating elsewhere.
- 17 May 2025: APAARI sent an update on the legal-status process to EC members.
- 8 July 2025: The update was discussed at the Quarterly Membership Engagement Meeting.
- July 2025: GAM recommended pursuing the approaches and reviewing their merits as progress developed.
- November 2025: Cambodia’s Minister of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries formally conveyed the country’s willingness to host APAARI, with approval from the Cambodian Cabinet and the Minister.
- 22 January 2026: The EC considered pursuing legal status in Cambodia alongside a Thailand-based association option.
- March 2026: APAARI shared the host-country document package with EC members for feedback.
- 14 October 2026: The Royal Government of Cambodia granted APAARI IGO status.
APAARI extends special gratitude to Dr. Ravi Khetarpal and Mr. Manish Rai for their valuable contributions and sustained efforts throughout this journey.
APAARI’s official recognition as an IGO and the signing of the Host Country Agreement mark a landmark achievement in the Association’s institutional journey. The Agreement establishes a strong foundation for APAARI’s headquarters and operations in Cambodia while opening new opportunities to deepen collaboration with Cambodian agricultural institutions, APAARI member countries and partners across the Asia-Pacific region. This strengthened cooperation will support collective efforts to advance resilient and sustainable agri-food systems across the region.
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Written By: Darshika P. Senadheera, Communication officer, APAARI and peer reviewed by Dr. Dr. Ravi Khetarpal, Executive Director, APAARI
