Strengthening the Development Dialogue with Japan and China

The U.S. aid reform debate, the U.S. Feed the Future Initiative, the EU food security policy framework, and the implementation of the Lisbon Treaty revealed a shifting development policy landscape on both sides of the Atlantic, making a dialogue with Asian counterparts timely and relevant. Engagement with one of the world’s largest traditional donors — Japan — and one of the world’s newest donors — China — by transatlantic stakeholders would be vital to a successful response to food insecurity. The Transatlantic Taskforce on Development traveled to two influential countries in Asia in May 2010 to engage in a meaningful dialogue with Chinese and Japanese government officials, academics, policymakers, and other development stakeholders on the topics of food security and development. The Taskforce provides impetus behind transatlantic and global solutions to increase aid effectiveness, reduce poverty, and promote global stability. This exchange added to the momentum started by the Taskforce’s recommendations on food security and sought to build understanding through dialogue between U.S., European, and Asian stakeholders.