On 26 August 2019, Prof. Hu Peisong, Director General of CNRRI (China National Rice Research Institute) met with Mr. Jamshid Khodjaev, Minister of Agriculture in Uzbekistan. Based on discussion on bilateral cooperation in rice science and technology, the two sides signed a Memorandum of Understanding on the establishment of China-Uzbek Joint Center on Rice Research.

Prof. Hu Peisong briefed CNRRI’s scientific and technological developments and its latest bilateral exchanges with Uzbekistan. Prof. Hu Peisong proposed  some suggestions for future cooperation, including breeding of drought-tolerant rice varieties, development of water saving irrigation technologies, etc.

Mr. Jamshid Khodjaev introduced Uzbekistan’s rice production and development plan as well as policies on agro-industrial investment. He agreed on the intended areas of cooperation proposed by Prof. Hu Peisong and looked forward to more collaborative research jointly conducted with scientific research institutions and relevant companies from China. Mr. Jamshid Khodjaev expected that the meeting would further promote bilateral cooperation in rice science and technology, pushing forward development of rice industry in Uzbekistan.

Mr. Li Guorong, CNRRI Deputy Director General; Mr. Saidkamol, Vice Minister of Ministry of Agriculture; Mr. R.Mamadjanov, head of Investment Cooperation Department, Ministry of Agriculture; Mr. Utkir.Kodirov, head of International Cooperation Department, Ministry of Agriculture; Mr. M.Sattarov, Director General of Rice Research Institute, the Uzbek Scientific Production Center of Agriculture and Food Ensuring; and representatives from Zhongnongfa Seed Industry Group Co., LTD attended the meeting.

By Shen Huizhi (shenhuizhi@caas.cn)