An Asia-European Meeting (ASEM) session and an international
trade fair may have opened at different venues in Beijing
yesterday, but they had the same theme: Intensifying agricultural
collaboration and trade.
Speaking at the ASEM High-Level Conference on Agricultural
Cooperation, Vice Premier Hui Liangyu proposed that Asia and Europe
forge a partnership in the agricultural sector, and actively
explore avenues for success on joint projects.
Highlighting the bright prospects for agricultural trade in the
regions, Hui said the two sides should take into account their
development disparities, and identify priorities -- like
agro-technology, standardization and management.
As China strives to improve incomes for its farmers and
vigorously develops its rural economy, the country will continue to
improve its alliances in the agricultural sector with other ASEM
members, Hui said.
Trade volume -- including that of farm produce -- between China
and ASEM members hit US$287.496 billion last year, accounting for
46.3 per cent of the country's total foreign trade, customs
statistics showed.
The one-day meeting was the first of its kind ever held by ASEM
since it was founded in 1996. The organization encompasses 10 Asian
countries, 15 European Union members plus the European
Commission.
Partly in response to Vice Premier Hui's proposal, the ASEM
delegates yesterday vowed to boost inter-regional agricultural
trade and investment, meanwhile enhancing coordination in the new
round of agricultural negotiations of the World Trade
Organization.
In the Chairman's Statement produced at the end of the meeting,
the participants said agricultural biotechnology may hold the key
to sustainable growth of agriculture in ASEM members, but public
acceptance and support is essential to the development and use of
such technology.
Coinciding with the ASEM gathering, a five-day agricultural
trade fair opened yesterday at the China National Agricultural
Exhibition Center, bringing together buyers and suppliers from
across China and nine other countries and regions.
A bonanza of more than 3,000 varieties of farm produce was
displayed at the fair -- most of it for sale. It turned the
exhibition center into a giant showcase for visitors to choose
products of top-grade quality.
Minister of Agriculture Du Qinglin said the event would
stimulate rural development by providing a chance for Chinese
companies to enhance links with clients at home and abroad.
(China Daily November 13, 2003)