Chinese experts call for increased international agricultural cooperation

BEIJING, Dec. 15 (Xinhua) -- More than 300 participants from international organizations, research institutes, universities and enterprises came together at the 6th International Agricultural Research Conference in Beijing on Thursday to exchange ideas on how to contribute to global food security -- calling for more international cooperation in agriculture.

Themed "strengthening agricultural science and technology cooperation to jointly promote global food security," the conference was hosted by the Center for International Agricultural Research (CIAR) and the Department of International Cooperation of the Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences (CAAS), adopting the form of virtual lectures and online broadcast.

Wu Kongming, president of CAAS, said that CAAS remains committed to providing Chinese solutions and wisdom to help address global challenges such as food security, poverty reduction and green development, and to do so through multilateral and bilateral international cooperation mechanisms.

In his speech, Wu called for related institutions to make joint efforts to promote international cooperation in agricultural science and technology.

According to Carlos Watson, the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) Representative in China, the conference offered a great and timely opportunity to facilitate constructive discussion on international joint actions concerning global agricultural development and food security, in the face of challenges posed by the pandemic and climate change.

"Given China's experience in successful eradication of extreme poverty, digital innovations, and agricultural and rural development, China is uniquely positioned to share its innovation experience, innovative technologies, and best practices with the rest of the world," he said.

During the conference, experts discussed the current situation and future prospects of international cooperation in agricultural science and technology. They also discussed the policy environment, market environment, investment model and service demand for overseas agricultural investment, as well as strategies and measures to ensure global food security.

The International Agricultural Research Conference has been held for six consecutive years since 2017.