On September 29 2015, Dr. Wu Kongming, Vice President of Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences (CAAS) met with the Western Australian Higher Education Mission led by Hon. Peter Collier, Minister for Education, Aboriginal Affairs and Electoral Affairs of Western Australia. Both sides have exchanged views on deepening technological and educational cooperation in agriculture and unveiled the “China-Australian Joint Center for the Prevention and Management of Exotic Invasive Species”, which was established in early June this year between Murdoch University and the Institute of Plant Protection of CAAS.

Wu Kongming briefly introduced agricultural production, extension and training for farmers in China. He further explained that China, as a developing country with a large population and limited arable land and water resources, is in dire need to boost agricultural production and tackle environmental issues such as non-point pollution through agricultural science and technology innovation. Western China and Western Australia share similar topographies and climate conditions. CAAS has set up a new research center for agriculture in western China. Both sides have great potential for cooperation in animal husbandry, veterinary medicine and upland farming. He suggested CAAS and Western Australian universities making full use of the existing platforms for joint research, scientist exchange and training programs.

Hon. Peter Collier responded that Western Australia and China have strengthened educational ties in recent years. Agriculture and animal husbandry are very important industries for Western Australia. He emphasized that Western Australia would continue to support to its higher education and other research institutes to work with CASS for technology innovation and agricultural sustainable development.

Western Australia has five universities and 11 vocational schools. CAAS has partnered with Murdoch University and the University of Western Australia in many areas of agricultural research and education.