Chinanews.com, Beijing, January 15th. On the 13th, the China-ASEAN Agricultural Cooperation Seminar was held in Beijing.
This is one of the series activities of the "China-ASEAN Agricultural Development and Food Security Cooperation Year", which aims to jointly discuss agricultural issues, strengthen policy exchanges and cooperation dialogues between China and ASEAN in areas of common concern, and promote China-ASEAN comprehensive strategic partnership. moving forward.
It is reported that the seminar was co-hosted by the ASEAN-China Center and the International Cooperation Department of the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs of China. Representatives from the ASEAN-China Center, the agricultural authorities of ASEAN countries and embassies in China, the ASEAN Secretariat, and Chinese and foreign experts participated in the seminar. Discussions will be carried out around the two major issues of "China-ASEAN Agricultural Development" and "Food Security".
Shi Zhongjun, Secretary-General of the ASEAN-China Center, pointed out that China and ASEAN have a population of more than 2 billion, and agricultural development and food security are crucial to both sides.
"In recent years, food production and security have faced many challenges. Geopolitical tensions, especially war conflicts, natural disasters, and the impact of the new crown epidemic have brought difficulties to agricultural production and supply chains. Therefore, last year's China-ASEAN leaders' meeting announced that the 2023 This is particularly important for China-ASEAN Year of Agricultural Development and Food Security Cooperation," said Shi Zhongjun.
Shi Zhongjun, Secretary-General of the ASEAN-China Center delivered a speech
Regarding the agricultural cooperation and exchanges between China and ASEAN, he put forward three suggestions:
First, ensure the stability of production supply.
China and ASEAN should strengthen professional dialogue and mutual learning in the application of agricultural science and technology, and make better use of the ASEAN Food Security Information System (AFSIS) for information collection, disaster risk monitoring and early warning.
Second, strengthen the security in the field of circulation.
The two sides should enhance agricultural trade policy coordination, make full use of the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (RCEP), strengthen cooperation in the entire industrial chain of grain production, distribution, storage, and processing, and develop cross-border agricultural product trade. At the same time, digitalization and e-commerce should be well leveraged To ensure the stable supply of agricultural products in the region.
Third, promote the development of rural areas.
By promoting the in-depth docking of the China-ASEAN Agricultural Green Development Action Plan and the ASEAN Sustainable Agriculture Guidelines, China and ASEAN can introduce more targeted preferential policies and poverty alleviation measures.
Photo provided by the organizer of the seminar
Li Jinxiang, chief national veterinarian (officer) of the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs of China, pointed out that the establishment of the "China-ASEAN Year of Agricultural Development and Food Security Cooperation" and the release of the "China-ASEAN Joint Statement on Food Security Cooperation" demonstrate the importance that all parties attach to promoting agricultural development and determination to maintain regional food security.
He believes that it is necessary to strengthen agricultural strategic dialogue and policy exchanges, improve the level of agricultural economic and trade investment exchanges, and jointly hold the "China-ASEAN Year of Agricultural Development and Food Security Cooperation"; at the same time, enhance regional food security capabilities and continue to support ASEAN, China, Japan and South Korea The rice emergency reserve mechanism plays a role to jointly build a resilient and sustainable food and agricultural system in the region; in addition, it is necessary to pragmatically promote the green development of agriculture and effectively respond to challenges such as climate change and resource constraints.
"We are very willing to cooperate with China, especially under the framework of China and ASEAN, and under the principle of sustainable agriculture." ASEAN Deputy Secretary-General Singh said in an online speech that he hopes that both sides will carry out more capacity building, Including food storage and reducing food and food loss and waste.
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