The Prime Minister, Dr. Manmohan Singh today said economies of developing countries have been effected by climate change. Dr Singh advocated for greater cooperation between Asian and African countries to address short and long term challenges. Addressing the inaugural function of Golden Jubilee Celebrations of Afro-Asian Rural Development Organisation in New Delhi, Dr Singh said called upon the scientists and experts to reflect on suitable technology to tackle the issue. He said that the process of globalisation and growing inter-dependence among nations pose fundamental new challenges to our economic sustenance.

He said the scientists and experts have to reflect on technologies and processes that are most suitable for our rural conditions and circumstances, both in Africa and in Asia.Underlining the need for African and Asian countries to work jointly, Dr Singh said, this is important to build a favourable international regime that enables us to access funds and green technologies for rural growth.

Noting that three quarters of world's poor live in Asia and Africa, the Prime Minister said, rural reconstruction and poverty eradication are fundamental to our plans for sustainable development and inclusive growth. He said Afro-Asian Rural Development Organisation has the potential of playing a vital role in collective battle against hunger, disease and despair that afflict large segments of our population.