December 3-6 2007, the Consultative Group on International Agricultural Research held its Annual General Meeting (AGM) in Beijing for the first time. The Meeting was co-sponsored by Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, themed “Advances in Science for Sustainable Development”. Over 1000 representatives participated the meeting. 

Hui Liangyu, Chinese vice premier, sent his congratulation speech. Vice agriculture minister Niu Dun, CAAS President Zhai Huqu, CGIAR Chairwoman Katherine Sierra and Wang Ren, CGIAR’s first Chinese Director, addressed the opening ceremony. Dr. Zhai Huqu, as one of the key speakers, gave a presentation on “Agriculture in China-Advance and Challenge”.

Dr. He Zhonghu from the Institute of Crop Sciences and Dr. Zhao Zhendong from Shandong Academy of Agriculture Sciences were awarded for Outstanding Agriculture Technology in the Asia-Pacific Regionn. Awarding ceremony was held at the Gala Banquet at the Great Hall of the People.