On October 16, the sixth China-Central and Eastern European (CEE) Countries Local Leaders’ Meeting kicked off in Yantai, Shandong Province. During this event, the China-CEE Modern Agricultural Science and Education Innovation Alliance was formally established.
This new international cooperative platform was initiated by 64 institutions, including agricultural universities, research organizations, and enterprises from China and CEE countries. The alliance aims to focus on various critical areas such as crop production, livestock, modern agricultural equipment applications, smart agriculture, climate adaptation, biodiversity, soil health, and food loss reduction. It seeks to enhance collaboration and communication among members to promote agricultural science and technology innovation, talent development, and sustainable growth.
Stanishev Momchil Emilov, Director of the China-CEE Agricultural Cooperation Promotion Association, emphasized the importance of agriculture as a vital economic component for every country. He stated, “Currently, the agricultural sector faces new challenges, making the establishment of a modern agricultural innovation platform and proposing effective solutions crucial.” He expressed hope that countries would explore innovative paths for agricultural development through the sharing of ideas, knowledge, experiences, and practices.
Gábor Berglárka, the governor of Hungary’s Baranya County, noted that the formation of the China-CEE Modern Agricultural Science and Education Innovation Alliance provides a new dialogue and cooperation platform to enhance the high-quality development of agriculture among all parties involved.
Ge Huijun, Chairman of the Shandong Provincial Political Consultative Conference, pointed out that while CEE countries have advanced agricultural practices, Shandong is also a major agricultural province with a solid foundation for development, indicating significant potential for future collaboration.
The sixth China-CEE Local Leaders’ Meeting has the theme “Future-Oriented Local Cooperation between China and CEE Countries.” Around 1,000 attendees included former leaders from CEE nations, mayors, diplomats, representatives from friendly organizations and enterprises, experts, scholars, and officials from China’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs and relevant provincial departments.
The meeting features two main forums, two parallel forums, and several events, including a photography exhibition showcasing the cultures of CEE countries, a product exhibition from these nations, and an exhibition on traditional Chinese medicine.
