On September 24, a high-level delegation of 23 science and technology managers from 14 European countries visited the Institute of Vegetables and Flowers, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences. The delegates include Benoit, President of the Swiss Academy of Engineering, Giorgio, Director General of the Italian National Agency for New Technologies, Energy and Sustainable Economic Development, and Raquel, Senior Advisor to the Minister of Science, Innovation and Universities of Spain, etc. Director of the Europe Division at the Chinese Science and Technology Exchange Center, Song Yun, Deputy Director General of the International Cooperation Department of CAAS Ms. Qian Yu, Deputy Director General of IVF Ms. Kou Zhanying participated in the reception activities.

During the visit, the delegation toured the IVF demonstration greenhouse. Secretary Kou Zhanying warmly welcomed the guests, and IVF Division Director Ms. Li Lei delivered an overview introduction of IVF and research progress, with a particular focus on recent collaborations with EU countries.

Professor Zhang Xiuxin, the Group leader of ornamental horticulture introduced their research work in terms of flower resource identification and selection, genetic breeding, flowering regulation techniques for peonies, flower efficacy evaluation, and the development of multifunctional high-value products.

The guests also visited the Flower Garden. Associate Professor Ms. Zhao Xin from the Rose and Flower Seedling Breeding Group presented information on the collection and evaluation of butterfly orchids, lilies, roses and chrysanthemums, leaving a deep impression on the visitors. President Benoit and his colleagues expressed their willingness to explore collaborative opportunities in flower and vegetable research with IVF.

Deputy Director General Ms. Kou emphasized the importance of the partnership with EU countries and stated that the institute would fully utilize existing mechanisms and platforms to expand cooperation in joint research innovation, further enhancing the depth and breadth of China-Europe agricultural science and technology cooperation.

By Congying Li（licongying@caas.cn）