The CAAS delegation headed by Professor ZHAI Hu-qu, president of CAAS, visited agricultural research institutes, universities and international organizations in the UK, Switzerland and Ukraine from January 16th to 27th. They went on the visit at the invitation of University of Birmingham, World Health Organization (WHO), Centre for Agriculture and Biosciences International (CABI), Ukraine Academy of Agricultural Sciences and National University of Life and Environmental Sciences of Ukraine.

There are three major objectives for this visit. First, CAAS wants to learn more about the progress of agricultural research, managerial mechanism and key areas of international cooperation in these countries and organizations. Second, CAAS aims to identify more efficient solutions to promote cooperation with them. Third, CAAS intends to enhance cooperation and reached new consensus.

During the visit in the UK, President ZHAI discussed with Sir Dominic Cadbury, president of the university, and Dr. Michael Sheppard, vice president of the university, on how to strengthen the cooperation in agricultural research and capacity building. They also set the priority and specific plans of the bilateral cooperation this year, including the key cooperation project of crop genetics and breeding initiated by both sides, the co-hosted scientist summit, the Molecular Breeding Joint Laboratory and the scientist exchange project. The two sides also renewed Memorandum of Understanding on Scientific and Technical Cooperation. As President ZHAI is an outstanding alumnus graduated from University of Birmingham, he was awarded the honorary degree of Doctor of Science by the university.

The delegation also visited WHO, WTO and CAB International Switzerland branch which are all based in Switzerland. The delegation learned more about the development and progress of agricultural technology in Switzerland. The CAAS delegation and those organizations also discussed how to enhance the cooperation and exchanges in areas like agricultural biotechnologies and plant protection. Besides, it exchanged views with WHO about cooperation in the prevention and control of zoonoses. CAAS will hold a multi-lateral scientist meeting at Harbin Institute of Veterinary Research of CAAS in November or at the beginning of next year. The meeting will be attended by experts from WHO, WTO, FAO and IAEA. At the meeting, they will discuss cooperation in the prevention and control of zoonosis and the institute’s application for WHO Reference Laboratory on Zoonoses.

In Ukraine, the delegation introduced China’s agricultural technological advancement and priority area for cooperation, especially the progress in veterinary research. The delegation also visited Ukraine Academy of Agricultural Sciences, National Veterinary Research Institute of Ukraine and National University of Life and Environmental Sciences of Ukraine. In the meetings, they discussed how to step up cooperation in agricultural research, especially in areas like the prevention and control of animal diseases, germplasm resources exchange and capacity building. In the end, they signed a letter of intention for co-operation.