The 17th Belt and Road Eco-Agriculture and Food Safety Forum was held in Shanghai on Wednesday.
Themed "Deepening the Belt and Road Opening-up and Cooperation in Agriculture and Food and Jointly Build a Community of Shared Future for Mankind", the forum was held on the sidelines of the ongoing 7th China International Import Expo (CIIE).
Participants at the forum said that agricultural production and food safety have always been fundamental wellbeing issues of common concern for countries worldwide.
An official from China's State Administration for Market Regulation said that the Chinese government prioritizes food safety and has strengthened supervision of food production and distribution. The official said China is willing to deepen international exchanges and cooperation in the agriculture and food sectors with BRI countries, improving the governance system based on collaboration and promoting shared benefits in food safety.
Tefera Derbew Yimam, Ethiopia’s ambassador to China, said that collaboration between the two countries was a significant benefit.
"So China, in this regard, has made a significant progress in modernizing its agriculture. So far, I mean, we have a strong cooperation - Chinese technical and culture experts are deployed to Ethiopia. In my opinion, huge that China in Ethiopia can collaborate in the agriculture sector," he said.
At the forum, participants discussed topics such as strengthening the foundation of food safety, promoting high-quality development of the food industry, and enhancing the nutritional and health levels of the people.
"So I think today's discussion about food security on the basis of BRI is very important. We are ready to share with each other, not only the potential, but also training of the young people for managing agriculture sector, technology, innovation, and also food security, and also bringing the countries closer to each other," said Khan Sohail, Deputy Secretary-General of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization.
The CIIE, the world's first national-level import-themed expo, is held annually at the National Exhibition and Convention Center in Shanghai.
Since its inception in 2018, the expo has evolved into a key platform showcasing China's new development model, fostering high-level openness, and serving as a global public resource.
17th Belt and Road Eco-Agriculture and Food Safety Forum held in Shanghai
