SCO nations eye closer agricultural ties

Agriculture ministers from Shanghai Cooperation Organization member states gathered on Wednesday in Kunming, Yunnan province, for the 10th Meeting of Agriculture Ministers, pledging to deepen agricultural cooperation and policy coordination across the region.

Under the theme "Robust Policy Exchange for a Closer SCO Family of Agriculture", the meeting focused on advancing rural development, enhancing technological exchange and strengthening collaboration in poverty alleviation efforts.

China remains committed to high-level agricultural opening-up and will work with SCO partners to expand trade and investment, strengthen scientific collaboration and deepen exchanges in agricultural talent, said Chinese Minister of Agriculture and Rural Affairs Han Jun.

He emphasized the country's willingness to jointly develop open markets, improve policy dialogue and enhance food security cooperation across SCO states.

China proposed priorities for future SCO agricultural collaboration, including advancing agricultural technology cooperation through shared platforms and talent exchanges, and enhancing trade channels to ease the flow of agricultural products across borders.

The meeting concluded with the adoption of a joint statement, underscoring the need for greater cooperation and timely action in addressing regional agricultural challenges.

Iranian Agriculture Minister Gholamreza Nouri Ghezeljeh regarded the meeting as a vital step toward unlocking the region's vast agricultural potential.

"We have strong partnerships with most SCO members, particularly China. Our agricultural trade with China has reached $1 billion, and we hope to double that figure in the coming years," he said.

Ghezeljeh also emphasized the importance of deepening cooperation in the sectors of agricultural education, technology research and logistics.

Participants at the meeting highlighted opportunities in areas such as agricultural machinery, processing, irrigation, disaster prevention and crop breeding.

Jiang Xingming, deputy head of Yunnan's agriculture and rural affairs department, noted the province's exports of flowers, fruits, vegetables, tea, coffee and traditional Chinese medicine to over 40 countries and regions, including many SCO member states.

"Yunnan has strong foundations for modern agriculture," Jiang said at a policy dialogue during the meeting.

There is huge potential for cooperation in areas such as agricultural equipment, irrigation, and low-carbon development, he added.