| | NOVEMBER 20268IN FOCUSVietnam views APEC 2027 as a chance to advance regional collaboration on sustainable agriculture, innovation, and food security. By implementing practical initiatives, it seeks to create a sustainable and resilient food system while enhancing the value and competitiveness of its agricultural products.A leading initiative involves creating 1 million ha of premium, low-emission rice in the Mekong Delta by 2030, focused on transforming agricultural methods, enhancing resource efficiency, and increasing farmers' earnings. In forestry, the industry is promoting sustainable forest management and ecosystem services, whereas the fisheries are focusing more on responsible harvesting, sustainable aquaculture, and the protection of marine ecosystems. Leveraging its agricultural development experience, Vietnam aims to provide practical solutions tailored to the diverse conditions of APEC economies. Union Minister of Ports, Shipping and Waterways Sarbananda Sonowal began a four-day visit to South Korea to promote India's maritime potential and strengthen shipbuilding collaboration between the two countries. Sonowal highlighted India's need for shipbuilders, marine engineers, naval architects, designers, welders, project managers, and technology specialists. He urged Korean experts to bring their experience back to India or support Indian companies while remaining in Korea.Sonowal sought actionable ideas from industry leaders on improving shipyard efficiency and project delivery, developing a competitive skilled workforce, and strengthening collaboration in technology, production, and innovation. His agenda includes meetings with executives from the international shipbuilding sector, engagements with maritime industry organizations, and discussions with maritime think tanks and research institutions to advance cooperation. VIETNAM EYES APEC 2027 FOR GREEN FARMING, FOOD SECURITY AGENDAAGRICULTURE & FOOD SECURITY SONOWAL TO PITCH INDIA'S MARITIME OPPORTUNITY TO KOREAN INDUSTRYNama Electricity Distribution plans to invest over RO600 million ($1.6 billion) from 2026 to 2029 to strengthen electricity networks, upgrade infrastructure, and accelerate Oman's transition toward a smart, data-driven power distribution system. The investment will focus on improving network reliability, operational efficiency, and infrastructure capacity to meet future electricity demand, while expanding digital technologies, artificial intelligence (AI), and data analytics.These technologies are expected to enable real-time network monitoring, faster fault detection, quicker emergency responses, and shorter electricity restoration times. Nama is also expanding its use of big data, advanced analytics, and AI to monitor network assets and performance. These capabilities will support predictive maintenance, enabling earlier identification of potential issues and more targeted maintenance activities across Oman's electricity network. NAMA ELECTRICITY DISTRIBUTION EYES INVESTMENT IN OMANCATEGORY: ENERGY & UTILITIES MARITIME & SHIPBUILDING
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