The second agricultural ministers conference of the BRICS (Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa) nations was recently held in Chengdu city. Hui Liangyu, vice-premier and member of the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee, addressed the opening ceremony on behalf of the Chinese Government.

In his speech, Hui made three proposals on the agricultural development and cooperation among the BRICS.

First, deepen cooperation in an all-round way, with priority to practical actions. The BRICS nations should pay higher attention to agriculture, particularly grain production. They must strengthen information and policy exchanges, establish a mechanism for long-term, stable, feasible and efficient cooperation communication and operation, join hands in agricultural scientific research, development, promotion and application, and support farmers to grow grains and engage in agricultural production.

Second, adhere to sustainable development, and meet new challenges in a scientific way. The BRICS nations should scientifically guide the development of bio-energy industry, on the basis of guaranteeing global food security. They must appeal and promote developed countries to extend technological and capital supports to developing countries to cope with climate change, and step into the road of boosting agricultural development in a fully harmonized and sustainable way.

Third, enhance coordinating stands, with an eye to maintain common interests. The BRICS nations should intensify communication and coordination in major issues relating to international agricultural sector. They must maintain a fair, reasonable, sustainable and stabilized international order for agricultural product trade. They must appeal to international organizations and developed countries to supply technological, capital and investment supports to developing countries to raise grain outputs, improve agricultural production capacity, and safeguard food security.

The meeting was attended by Han Changfu, minister of the Ministry of Agriculture, Tina Joemat-Petterson, South African minister of agriculture, forestry and fishery, Cerio Porter, Brazilian vice-minister of agriculture, animal husbandry, and supply, Iliya Shestakov, Russian vice-minister of agriculture; and Harris Lavale, Indian agriculture minister. They exchanged views on the theme of the meeting, and approved the BRICs Agriculture Cooperation Action Plan (2012-2016). They also signed the Joint Declaration of the Second BRICs Agriculture Ministers Meeting.

During the period, agriculture ministers of the five nations visited the 9th China International Agriculture Product Trade Fair, Chengdu agriculture technology demonstration zone, and rural post-earthquake reconstruction projects.