SEAFDEC and the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) agreed to work together to design and implement activities to enhance food security and biodiversity conservation in Asia and the Pacific. The memorandum of understanding signed on 16 June 2014 by SEAFDEC Secretary-General Chumnarn Pongsri and USAID Regional Development Mission for Asia Director Michael Yates, reflects SEAFDEC’s  and USAID’s intention to collaborate in the design, implementation and evaluation of USAID-funded sustainable fisheries activities. In addition, USAID and SEAFDEC plan to engage with other U.S. Government agencies, including the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration and the Department of Interior, to identify technical experts to assist in the facilitation of the envisioned activities.