High-level representatives from the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) convened Frdiay in northwest China’s Shaanxi Province to discuss sustainable and smart agricultural development.
The SCO Modern Agricultural Roundtable Meeting kicked off in Shaanxi’s agricultural sci-tech hub Yangling City, with delegates from 26 countries including the group's 10 member states and dialogue partners.
The discussion took place on the sidelines of one of China's most comprehensive trade events in agriculture - the China Yangling Agricultural High-Tech Fair, which gathers over 1,800 enterprises from 49 countries from Oct 25 to 29.
New contracts to advance sustainable, tech-driven agriculture were signed at the roundtable meeting.
"We are faced with agenda of using new techniques skills such as digital technology, artificial intelligence in the agricultural development sector, and developing new varieties based on these foundations. These issues are of practical importance to the SCO member states. The fair and the round table provide a platform for experts to exchange views and gain related knowledge," said Nuran Niyazaliyev, the SCO deputy secretary general.
Delegates from 26 nations discuss sustainable, tech-driven agriculture in Shaanxi
China attaches great importance to global governance on biosafety and biosecurity, Foreign Ministry spokesman Li Jian said on Monday while briefing reporters on the outcomes of the Regional Workshop on Implementing the Biological Weapons Convention and Promoting Biosafety and Biosecurity in Southeast Asia.
Jointly held by China and ASEAN's rotating chair Laos, the workshop took place from Wednesday to Friday in the metropolis of Shenzhou in south China.
Speaking at a regular press conference in Beijing, Lin said, "This is the first workshop jointly held by China and ASEAN countries on implementing the Biological Weapons Convention and promoting biosafety and biosecurity."
He noted the workshop delivered positive outcomes, and China and Laos jointly issued the Co-chairs Summary, which includes consensus in four aspects:
First, advance the modernization of biosafety and biosecurity governance and related capacity, by way of promoting exchanges and mutual learning.
Second, build political consensus for a collective effort in countering biosafety and biosecurity risks, so as to benefit humanity through biotechnologies.
Third, improve global biosafety and biosecurity governance, reaffirm the commitment to the Biological Weapons Convention and support relevant international and regional organizations in providing more public goods.
Fourth, explore follow-up actions, and strengthen regional cooperation and coordination in the field of biosafety and biosecurity through various ways, including holding workshop as such on a regular term.
He said that China attaches great importance to global governance on biosafety and biosecurity.
"We have included capacity building in biosafety and biosecurity governance in the Global Security Initiative Concept Paper, listing it as a priority in international cooperation. Closer exchanges and cooperation between China and Southeast Asian countries on biosafety and biosecurity will provide new impetus for the China-ASEAN comprehensive strategic partnership and contribute to global governance on biosafety and biosecurity," said Lin.
China attaches great importance to global governance on biosafety, biosecurity: spokesman
