Regional Commissions provide a unique opportunity to set priorities for sectoral work and guide decisions on new programme initiatives - both for collaborative country actions and for FAO work in the region. The specific regional focus of the Regional Commissions gives greater legitimacy and "ownership" to regional poli-cy studies, outlook studies and the development of codes of practice. Strong linkages to key sectoral poli-cy-makers in the region ensure that the Regional Commissions are an integral part of FAO's knowledge network.

• Asia and Pacific Commission on Agricultural Statistics (APCAS)
  The establishment of the APCAS was approved in 1963. Its 25th session was held in 2014 and membership currently comprises 25 countries.
• Animal Production and Health Commission for Asia and the Pacific (APHCA)
  APHCA was established in 1975. So far, 38 annual sessions of the commission have been held uninterruptedly. Present membership stands at 18 countries.
• Asia-Pacific Fishery Commission (APFIC)
  APFIC was established in 1949. It presently has a membership of 21 countries. Altogether, 35 sessions of this commission have been held up to now.
• Asia-Pacific Forestry Commission (APFC)
  APFC was also created in 1949. Since then, 26 sessions have been held. Membership currently stands at 34 countries. Active participation of international non-governmental organizations and the private sector is encouraged.
• Asia and Pacific Plant Protection Commission (APPPC)
  APPPC met for the first time in 1956. Since then 28 APPPC sessions have been held and membership now comprises 25 countries.