Agricultural Cooperation: 7th ASEAN-China Forum in Nanning

Union Minister for Agriculture, Livestock, and Irrigation U Min Naung attended the 7th ASEAN-China Agricultural Cooperation Forum in Nanning, China, on September 16th. The forum was jointly organized by the Chinese Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs and the Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region.

During the opening ceremony of the forum, speeches were delivered by the Chinese Minister of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, the Governor of Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, Union Minister U Min Naung, and a Chinese official representing World Food Program.

In his speech, Union Minister U Min Naung emphasized the significance of China as an important trade partner for ASEAN member states, including Myanmar. He called for close cooperation among member countries to advance the regional food value chain under the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership. Subsequently, a bilateral agriculture cooperation meeting was held with a focus on accelerating cooperation, exchanging plant species and their genetic origins, conducting joint research, and establishing tropical crop model plantations.

The meeting also included detailed discussions on training laboratory staff, feasibility studies for constructing dams and sluice gates, maintenance of farm equipment, and technical assistance for genetic culture in fish breeding. Furthermore, discussions revolved around promoting cooperation in controlling animal diseases under South-South Cooperation and exploring Chinese investment opportunities in Myanmar to expand fermented maize production.