On August 20th, 2018, Dr. Wu Kongming, Vice President of the Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences (CAAS) met with a delegation led by Mr. Señor Eduardo E Carles, Minister of Agricultural Development. Both parties exchanged views on cooperation in agricultural research.

Dr. Wu Kongming introduced the basic situation of the CAAS to the Panamanian delegation. Wu said, the cooperation between China and Panama has developed rapidly since the establishment of diplomatic relations between the two countries. In the next 10 years, the agriculture in China will be adjusted to roads of green and sustainable development, with reduction using of pesticides and fertilizers, water conservation and environmental protection so as to provide quality agricultural products to the 1.3 billion people of China. China's agricultural development has close tie with the world. CAAS is willing to establish connections with Panamanian institutions of agricultural research, explore potential cooperation with mutual interest and carry out substantive cooperation in research projects, platform construction and personnel training.
 

Mr. Señor Eduardo E Carles agreed with Dr. Wu Kongming’s opinions. He said that as a world-renowned transit center for trade, finance and logistics, Panama accounts for 7% of the world trade. Agricultural population accounts for 14% of the total Panamanian population, but the country mainly relies on import of agricultural products at present. In order to ensure food security of the 4 million people in Panama, the development of agriculture is of great significance. He hoped that the establishment of regional joint research bases and research centers with the CAAS in Panama will not only help Panama's agricultural development, but also radiate to the entire region for a win-win result.