China and the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) have been deepening cooperation in agriculture in recent years.

A number of demonstration projects involving corn planting, rubber seedling production, horticultural crop cultivation, feed processing, and pig breeding, have been carried out by China in ASEAN countries. The goal is to extend the use of improved crop strains and promote new technology for agricultural machinery, cultivation, and management.

China also held more than 260 training courses on agricultural technology and management for ASEAN countries in order to nurture skilled workers for regional agricultural development. Over 4,000 professionals took part.

In order to further intensify agricultural collaboration, several forums and meetings were held during the 16th China-ASEAN Expo in Nanning, South China's Guangxi Zhuang autonomous region, from Sept 21 to 24. More than 100 government officials, experts, and business representatives from China, ASEAN countries, and countries along the Belt and Road attended.

"China will always regard ASEAN as an essential partner in agricultural cooperation. By strengthening cooperation in scientific research and sharing information, we can provide technical and intellectual support for regional agricultural and rural development," said Li Jinxiang, director of the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs' veterinary department.

Guangxi, which borders Vietnam, has also been expanding its cooperation with ASEAN countries in recent years. In 2018, bilateral trade in agricultural products between the two sides was valued at $2.93 billion, a year-on-year increase of 21.2 percent.

The 4th China-ASEAN Agricultural Cooperation Forum is held in Nanning, Guangxi Zhuang autonomous region on Sept 21 during the 16th China-ASEAN Expo. [Photo/caexpo.org]