"On January 17th, the Agricultural Cooperation Seminar under the 'Belt and Road' Framework, hosted by the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) and organized by the Center for Innternational Agricultural Research of the Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, was successfully held in Beijing. This conference not only served as an important symposium in the field of international agricultural cooperation but also became a grand event for the collaborative promotion of the 'Belt and Road' initiative, involving multiple participants from home and abroad. The attendees included representatives from the inter-ministerial joint meeting of the Ministry of Agriculture for foreign cooperation, diplomatic representatives from various countries, representatives from international organizations, experts and scholars from research institutes, and officials responsible for foreign affairs and foreign economic work in local agricultural authorities, as well as agricultural entrepreneurs involved in 'going global,' totaling more than 160 guests."

At the opening ceremony, Vincent Martin, the FAO Representative in China and North Korea, expressed that the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) would leverage its technical expertise to support rural development, poverty eradication, food, and nutrition security goals under the 'Belt and Road' initiative and called upon and expected governments of various countries and other development partners to strengthen cooperation, work together, and maximize the positive impact of the 'Belt and Road' initiative. Ma Hongtao, Deputy Director-General of the International Cooperation Department of the Ministry of Agriculture of China, introduced the current status of agricultural cooperation between China and countries along the 'Belt and Road' and with the FAO. He expressed that the Ministry of Agriculture of China is willing to work together with the FAO to better promote agricultural cooperation among countries and regions along the 'Belt and Road,' contribute to achieving the Sustainable Development Goals by 2030, and advance the building of a community with a shared future for mankind, creating a better future for humanity.

During a day of intense and orderly presentations and discussions, participants from different fields explored opportunities to support agricultural cooperation within the 'Belt and Road' framework. Specialized discussions were held on four aspects: promoting inclusive value chain development, agricultural e-commerce, cross-border prevention and control of animal and plant diseases, and innovation and collaboration. The conference focused on academic frontiers and policy hotspots, creating a harmonious and enthusiastic atmosphere that sparked new development concepts and ideational sparks.

"Nie Fengying, Deputy Director of the Center for International Agricultural Research of the CAAS, delivered the concluding remarks at the conference. She pointed out that this conference not only closely followed the academic forefront of agricultural economics research but also addressed policy demands. Moreover, with the active participation of numerous enterprises, the conference facilitated the establishment of good friendships. As a base for scientific and technological support and talent training in agricultural foreign cooperation, the Center for International Agricultural Research actively mobilizes and coordinates resources from various parties. It is committed to building communication platforms and establishing long-term cooperative mechanisms to enhance the quality and efficiency of agricultural cooperation under the 'Belt and Road' initiative."

"Finally, Vincent Martin announced that the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) plans to establish a Center for Agricultural Innovation and Partnership. The center will coordinate efforts between the FAO and other partners to jointly promote agricultural cooperation and development."

Opening Ceremony

Welcome Address

Venue Setting

Specialized Research Seminar and Exchange

Closing Ceremony Address