On August 31^st, CAAS President Li Jiayang met with the delegation from Plant & Food Research of New Zealand (PFR) which is headed by its Chairman Michael Ahie. The two sides signed the “MOU on the establishment of the international crops research strategic economic partnership agreement” and exchanged views on strengthening cooperation in agricultural science and technology.

Li briefed the guests on the advancement of CAAS since its implementation of its epoch-making strategic program, namely the Agricultural Science and Technology Innovation Program (ASTIP) and the new trends in the reform of China’s agricultural science and technology system. Based on fruitful bilateral cooperation, Li suggests the two sides further explore the collaboration potential in horticulture science, food quality and safety risk monitoring and evaluation, plant pest comprehensive prevention and biotechnology, through joint research, capacity building and other possible approaches.

Ahie agreed with Li’s proposal. He emphasized the importance of international agricultural trade to New Zealand economy, and stressed the significance of improving the quality and safety of agricultural products. He hopes that strengthened cooperation and exchange between CAAS and PFR will benefit the agricultural development of both countries.

The PFR is one of the seven government-owned Crown Research Institutes in New Zealand. In 2013, CAAS and the PFR signed memorandum of understanding on the establishment of the “China-New Zealand Joint Laboratory on Fruit science". The joint lab, hosted by the Zhengzhou Fruit Research Institute (ZFRI), has brought together scientists and experts from China and New Zealand to work closely in fruit gerplasm and fruit breeding (including apple, red-skin pear and kiwi fruit, etc.) through joint research, seminar and academic exchange.

After the meeting, the delegation visited the Institute of Quality Standards and Testing Technology for Agro-Products (IQSTAP) and Institute of Plant Protection (IPP).