Conference Scene 

   On July 3rd, the Third China-Latin America and the Caribbean Agricultural Ministers' Forum and the Fourth China-LAC Poverty Reduction and Development Forum, hosted by the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, took place in Weifang City, Shandong Province. President Xue Hongwei was invited to attend and delivered a keynote speech titled “Developing Sustainable Agriculture to Accelerate Poverty Reduction in Latin America and the Caribbean: The SCAU Plan”, sharing the experience and plans of South China Agricultural University (SCAU) to assist in poverty reduction efforts in Latin American and Caribbean countries.

President Xue Hongwei Speaks at the Forum

   Themed “Promoting Mutually Beneficial and Diverse Cooperation, Sharing Win-Win Green Development,” the forum attracted high-level representatives from the agricultural (livestock, fisheries, rural) departments of 25 LAC member countries, six related international organizations, and regional organizations in Latin America and the Caribbean, including 17 ministers and deputy ministers. Participants collectively discussed the poverty reduction practices and cooperative vision of China-LAC agriculture, livestock, and fisheries, demonstrating the high regard the international community has for poverty reduction and development.

     At the meeting, President Xue introduced the active effects of our university in promoting international cooperation, talent cultivation, and the transformation of scientific and technological achievements using the “China-Latin America Agricultural Education Science and Technology Innovation Alliance” (referred to as the CLAERIA) as a platform, especially the practical effects of promoting the “technology-based precise poverty alleviation” experience globally, focusing on the three key words “building foundations, strengthening bases, and implementation.”

       Due to the international influence and exemplary effect of our university in China-LAC agricultural science and education cooperation, representatives from Ecuador and Venezuela proactively contacted us to hold bilateral talks with our representatives during the conference.

Talks with the Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock of Ecuador

  In the talks with the Deputy Minister of Agriculture and Livestock of Ecuador, Alvaro Esteban del Hierro Paredes, the Ecuadorian side expressed support and affirmation for the existing cooperation with our university and the desire to deepen cooperation. President Xue Hongwei stated that he hopes to continue to do a good job in the construction of the “China-LAC Fruit and Vegetable Production Technology Demonstration Park,” establish Chinese and Spanish language courses and agricultural technology training, deepen the cultivation of agricultural technology talents, and establish special government funding for agricultural talent cultivation to jointly cultivate agricultural professionals with an international perspective. At the meeting, both sides reached a consensus to further enhance the level of cooperation and expand the field of cooperation.

Talks with the Ministry of People's Power for Agriculture and Land of Venezuela

      In the talks with the Minister of People's Power for Agriculture and Land of Venezuela, Wilmar Castro, both sides focused on cooperation opportunities in the fields of rice production, aquaculture, and ecological agriculture, and the Venezuelan side expressed an urgent desire for agricultural technical support and personnel training. President Xue Hongwei stated that our university has a significant technological advantage and mature experience in the breeding of new drought-resistant rice varieties, unmanned farm technology, duck-rice coexistence planting models, and organic biological control, which can be further carried out through exchanges and training interactions with related universities in Venezuela, injecting technology into the fields to help the sustainable development of local agriculture. Both sides expressed that they will maintain close communication and further develop exchanges and cooperation.

     Our university has taken the lead in establishing the CLAERIA for 4 years, with the support of governments at all levels in China and LAC, universities, research institutions, and enterprises. Currently, the China-LAC Alliance has included 72 member units from 15 countries in China and LAC, and has carried out effective cooperation and exchanges in cultural exchanges, technical training, academic conferences, and scientific research cooperation platforms, with continuous demonstration of influence and exemplary effect, effectively enhancing the international image and reputation of the university. In the future, with the in-depth implementation of the Belt and Road initiative, our university will continue to integrate disciplinary and international resources under the framework of the alliance with an open and inclusive spirit, promote cooperation projects to go deeper and more practical, and contribute to building a China-LAC community with a shared future, issuing the voice of SCAU, and promoting resource sharing, mutual benefit, and integrated development in the field of China-LAC agricultural science and education.