The Center for International Agricultural Research (CIAR) of CAAS released its latest think-tank research outcomes related to overseas agriculture at the 4th International Agricultural Research Conference held on December 14, 2020 in Beijing. This is the fourth consecutive year for CIAR to disseminate public information products and research achievement at the Conference, which includes the SILK Model for Global Agriculture, country studies on agricultural development and cooperation of 20 African countries, and global market research reports onof 20 agricultural products.

Dr. Sun Tan, Vice President of CAAS, stated that CIAR has built up a think-tank research system, which consists of three pillars -- data-intensive research to support strategic decision-making, model-based economic research on global agriculture, and knowledge-intensive services for the public. CIAR will haveplay a bigger role to play in promoting the development cooperation and technology transfer to CAAS atin the next five-year plan.

According to Dr. Peng Tingjun, DDG of the Department of International Cooperation of MARA, China will adopt further opening-up strategies by improving multilateral and bilateral exchange and consultation mechanism and updating its foreign investment environment and cooperation service systems. More cooperation promotion platforms for investment, trade and S&T cooperation will be built to create opportunities and provide support for enterprises and research institutes.

The Lianyungang Branch Station of the Overseas Agricultural Information Platform, an online public information service product, was inaugurated at the conference. This is the first branch station of the Platform built at the request of local government to provide tailor-made information for its agricultural companies.

RHigh-level representatives from FAO, IFAD, WFP and AGRA offices in China, diplomats from embassies in Beijing were invited to the Conference to present their strategic plans for the next five years and share agricultural investment opportunities from national perspective.

A panel discussion on cooperation between agribusiness and research institutions was joined by experts from China National Rice Research Institute and Institute of Cotton Research of CAAS and representatives from China’s leading companies in rice breeding and fertilizer industry.

The conference is hosted by the Department of International Cooperation and CIAR of CAAS and organized by Agricultural Information Institute of CAAS. About 200 people participated in the conference, while over 6000 people watched the event through live streaming.

By Wang Jing and Hu Huameng (wangjing01@caas.cn,  huhuameng@caas.cn)