High Level Dialogue 2016 on “Lessons from Experience for Future Development of Biogas in Asia” under FAO-China South-South Cooperation Programme was held from December13-15, 2016 in Chengdu，Sichuan Province. The dialogue was hosted by Center of International Cooperation Service, Ministry of Agriculture (MOA) and Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) and co-hosted by Biogas Institute of Ministry of Agriculture (BIOMA). Wang Jinbiao, Director of International Cooperation Division of Department of International Cooperation, MOA, Cai Ping, Secretary of the Leading Party Group of BIOMA, senior officers of FAO and representatives from Bangladesh, Cambodia, Indonesia, Lao PDR, Mongolia, Myanmar, Pakistan, Thailand and China attended the dialogue.

The theme of the dialogue was on biogas development in Asia with the focus on experience, opportunities and challenges. Deng Liangwei, Chief Engineer of BIOMA made a keynote speech titled “Overview of Achievements and Challenges in China’s Experience on Biogas Development”. Carlos Watson, leader of South-South cooperation team of FAO presented a speech titled “The FAO Strategy on South-South Cooperation and FAO/China SSC Programme”. Representatives from Asian countries presented their draft roadmap for future biogas development, pointing out their own development path and challenges ahead.

On the closing ceremony, Oliver Dubois, senior natural resources officer of FAO made a summary statement of the dialogue, emphasizing that the development path of biogas in Asian countries should base on respective national conditions and there is no panacea. Cai Ping, Secretary of the Leading Party Group of BIOMA made a closing speech, stating that biogas is more than an energy option. More importantly, it is an optimal choice for combating environmental pollution, improving health condition and developing circular and sustainable economy.

Two memorandums of understanding were signed between BIOMA and Renewable Energy Research Centre, Bangladesh and Rural Development Academy and Bangladesh Agricultural Research Institute respectively. The MOUs highlight the need for future cooperation in biogas including technical training, technological transfer, personnel exchange, mutual visits, joint research and so on.