China, Pacific island countries to deepen agricultural cooperation
DATE:2013-11-11 SOURCE:Information Office, MOA
Agriculture and Fisheries Seminar of the 2nd China-Pacific Island Countries Economic Development and Cooperation Forum was hosted by MOA on Nov. 8th, 2013 in Guangzhou. Vice Minister Niu Dun attended and addressed the Seminar.
"Chinese side has actively promoted agricultural and fishery cooperation with Pacific island countries (PICs) since the first Forum held in 2006. Achievements have been made in rice cultivation, vegetable production, JUNCAO (mushroom) technology and fishery production. China and PICs enjoy enormous potentials for future cooperation in agriculture and fisheries," Niu said.
Following the principle of equality, mutual benefits and win-win outcome, China will continue supporting the agricultural and fishery development of PICs. To this end, Niu put forward a three-point proposal for future cooperation:
First, to enhance high-level visits and personnel exchange to establish effective agricultural cooperation mechanisms;
Second, to deepen technological cooperation by tapping potentials in crop production, horticulture, tropical crop production and fisheries, and to create opportunities for agribusiness cooperation;
Third, to further expand cooperation areas so as to usher cooperation between China and PICs into a new stage.
Participants agreed on Niu''s proposal, and reached a consensus that this Seminar will further deepen China-PICs cooperation in agriculture and fisheries, and promote sustainable, healthy and rapid growth in the Region.
The Seminar is a key component of the 2nd China-Pacific Island Countries Economic Development and Cooperation Forum. A total of 130 participants attended the Seminar, representing government departments, institutes and enterprises from China, Fiji, Cook Islands, Federated States of Micronesia, Samoa,Tonga,Vanuatu and the Pacific Islands Forum Fisheries Agency (FFA).