In 1981, Papua New Guinea joined the Commission, while Mauritius withdrew its membership in 1986. In summary, the objectives of developing livestock as an integral part of agriculture, focus on small-farmers. These are to be achieved through programmes which are relevant to Asia s farming systems. The Executive Committee gives guidance and assistance in the speedy implementation of programmes which have been approved by the Commission. An annual membership fee from member countries is fixed according to their category, which is broadly related to Gross National Product.
Some explanation is needed here.
Each year, the Commission prepares a detailed work programme. Funds are required for the implementation of many of these activities. As most of the countries of the Region have been faced with an adverse balance of payments situation, it has not been possible to get any commitment for foreign exchange. Non-convertible local currency has however not always been in short supply. The Government of the Republic of the Philippines was the first country to launch an NCF by depositing a Peso contribution in the Philippines National Bank in 1976.