Minister Han Changfu and Stéphane Le Foll, the visiting Minister of Agriculture, Agri-food and Forest of France, co-chaired the 4th Meeting of the Mixed Committee on China-France Agriculture and Agri-food Cooperation in Beijing on May 12, 2014.
The Meeting highlighted bilateral cooperation in agricultural policies, animal health and training & innovation. China and France agreed to hold a seminar in China this summer on remote-sensing technique for production forecast and some other agricultural statistical methods; conduct risk assessment for HPAI and other major animal diseases; facilitate the development of the Center for Sino-French Beef Cattle Research & Development and the implementation of China-France wheat program, and advance the pilot program on agricultural vocational training as well.
In addition, the two sides signed the Framework Agreement between Ministry of Agriculture of China (MOA) and Ministry of Agriculture, Agri-food and Forest of France (MAAF) on Reinforcing Cooperation in the Field of Vocational Education & Training for Farmers.
In his speech at the Meeting, Minister Han noted that China and France have maintained friendly cooperation for a long time. The year 2014 marks the 50th anniversary of diplomatic ties between the two countries, and China is looking forward to working with France to cement a "comprehensive and cooperative partnership" in agricultural and agri-food sectors, and promote the traditional friendship to a new height.
Minister Stéphane Le Foll fully agreed with Minister Han on the above remarks.
Bi Meijia, Chief Economist of MOA and some other high-level officials attended the Meeting.