Seminar seeks to help developing countries modernize agriculture

A seminar on agricultural and rural digitalization and development for developing countries opened in Beijing on Friday, aiming to share the experience of advancing digital transformation in the global agriculture sector.

The 14-day program, organized by the Ministry of Commerce and the Foreign Economic Cooperation Center under the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, gathers together 27 agricultural officials, experts and scholars from Cuba, Gambia, Kenya, South Africa, Nigeria, El Salvador and Thailand.

With the rapid development of big data and artificial intelligence, digital technology is playing a vital role in improving agricultural productivity and efficiency and enhancing rural livelihoods.

The seminar seeks to explore how these technologies can empower developing countries to modernize their agricultural sectors and promote sustainable rural development, according to the organizers.

Ma Zhigang, deputy director of the center, said that developing smart agriculture and building digital villages are important for rural vitalization in China.

In recent years, China has promoted application-oriented innovation to advance agricultural and rural digitalization, Ma said. "China is willing to share its experience and practices with other developing countries and work together to promote the global digital transformation of agriculture." he said.

Ma added that the seminar will serve as a bridge for cooperation and mutual learning, helping participants explore innovative models and technologies for agricultural modernization.

Omar Muntaha Athman Lali, director of the county government of Mombasa, Kenya, praised China's contribution to agricultural innovation and South-South cooperation.

"China continues to play a pivotal role in supporting capacity building, technology transfer, and digital transformation across the agricultural sectors of developing nations — helping us move from subsistence to sustainable and smart agriculture," Lali said.

"The platform is not only a demonstration of China's global leadership in agricultural innovation but also a reflection of its commitment to knowledge sharing and the advancement of sustainable rural development," she said during the opening ceremony.

Lali added that the seminar provides valuable opportunities for participants to exchange experiences, share achievements, and jointly explore how digital tools can boost rural prosperity.

During the program, participants will attend lectures, case studies, and make field visits to learn about smart agriculture and digital rural construction. They will also travel to Guangxi Zhuang autonomous region to take part in the 2025 World Expo on Digital Agriculture and visit related enterprises and demonstration bases.