February 10-The Ministry of Agriculture held the Spring Festival Reception in Beijing for foreign diplomats stationed in China. In his opening remarks, Minister Han Changfu said that the Ministry would continue to commit to a good relationship with agricultural departments in various countries and international agricultural organizations, and promote China s international exchanges and cooperation of agriculture.
The Minister pointed out that in Year 2009, China had achieved increase in grain production and farmers income for six consecutive years, resulting in prosperity of rural economy, improvement of farmers livelihood, harmony and stability in rural society, and more progress in foreign exchanges and cooperation of agriculture. The sound development in agriculture and rural economy had provided a solid foundation for the stable and rapid development of national economy, and contributed hugely to world food security. Year 2010 would be the key to consolidate the good impetus in agricultural and rural economic development. China would embrace the road of agricultural modernization with the country s own characteristics to further enhance rural and urban coordination in development, ensure stable growth in farmers income, prevent regional major animal epidemic outbreaks and major safety incidents of product quality, and safeguard the development in agriculture and rural economy.
The Minister also remarked that China s agriculture could not develop in isolation from the rest of the world, and that world agriculture would need the participation of China. The Ministry will further commit to a good relationship with agricultural departments in various countries and international agricultural organizations, promote international exchanges and cooperation, and work with our counterparts to improve food supply and world agriculture.
During the reception, diplomats and representatives from international organizations showed extensive appreciation of China s achievement in agricultural and rural economic development. Besides, they also exchanged opinions with MOA top officials on agricultural trade, quality and safety, and control and prevention of animal epidemics.
In all, diplomats from 65 countries and representatives from FAO, WFP and SCO attended the reception.
