Veterinary technology workshop for Belt and Road countries wraps up in Beijing

By Muhammad Asif Noor

Participants of the Advanced Workshop on Veterinary Drug and Vaccine Technology Transfer in Belt and Road Countries pose for a group photo in Beijing. [Photo courtesy of the organizers]

A 12-day advanced workshop on veterinary drug and vaccine technology transfer for Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) countries recently concluded in Beijing, highlighting opportunities for regional collaboration in veterinary science and agriculture. 

Organized by China Agricultural University and the Chinese Veterinary Medical Association with support from the Ministry of Science and Technology of China, the event took place from Dec. 20 to 31, 2024.

Participants from Pakistan, Bangladesh, Myanmar, Cambodia and Iran attended the event, which aimed to enhance knowledge sharing and build partnerships in veterinary medicine, vaccines and livestock management.

Kicking off in Beijing with a symposium, the workshop delved into key issues in the livestock sector, including disease control, vaccine production and diagnostics advancements. It highlighted the importance of technology transfer and regulatory alignment among BRI countries. Attendees discussed strategies to improve veterinary practices to ensure sustainable livestock production and enhance regional food security.

Following the symposium, participants traveled to northwest China's Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region to observe the region's advancements in veterinary medicine and agricultural technology. The visit began with tours of TECON Pharmaceutical's High-tech North Zone and Toutunhe production bases. Participants observed TECON's vaccine production capabilities and its role in managing diseases, including foot-and-mouth, avian influenza and brucellosis. Discussions with TECON executives focused on potential collaborations in vaccine research, feed production and disease surveillance, reinforcing the importance of knowledge-sharing within the BRI framework.

Participants visit Shihezi University in Xinjiang as part of the Advanced Workshop on Veterinary Drug and Vaccine Technology Transfer in Belt and Road Countries. [Photo courtesy of the organizers]

The group also visited the Xinjiang Center for Disease Control, where participants explored ways to strengthen regional partnerships in vaccine development and technical assistance. The visit underscored Xinjiang's potential to serve as a hub for innovative solutions to common veterinary and agricultural challenges. 

Participants traveled to Shihezi University in Xinjiang to promote academic cooperation among the nations involved in the symposium. During the visit, the university signed a memorandum of understanding with the Centre of Excellence in Molecular Biology at the University of the Punjab in Lahore, Pakistan. This agreement aims to advance collaborative research in molecular biology, agriculture and veterinary science, addressing common challenges in these fields.

Additionally, the group toured Xinjiang Agricultural University, which showcased its contributions to sustainable agricultural practices and research. The university's integration of modern technology with traditional farming methods demonstrated its leadership in tackling regional agricultural issues.

The program also included a visit to north China's Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region, where participants explored biotechnology enterprises focused on livestock management and vaccine development. These visits provided insights into innovative agricultural practices, offering practical models for enhancing veterinary care and livestock productivity in BRI countries.

The author is director of the Centre for BRI and China Studies at the Institute of Peace and Diplomatic Studies in Pakistan.