From March 25 to 29, 2024, a 7-individual delegation led by Raushan Kumar, Better Environment Module Leader and Forestry Officer of the FAO Asia-Pacific Region embarked on a study and inspection trip to Hainan. Members also include Lottie Vaisekavi, Permanent Secretary for the Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock of the Solomon Islands and Antoine Ravo, Director of Vanuatu's Ministry of Agriculture, Livestock, Forestry and Biosecurity. The delegation conducted on-site research on tropical crop industries, focusing on coconut, cocoa, and cassava. Fang Jixian, Vice President of Chinese Academy of Tropical Agricultural Sciences (hereinafter referred to as CATAS), attended the discussions with the delegation.

Both parties engaged in profound discussions on collaboration in various areas such as efficient cultivation techniques for tropical crops, post-harvest preservation, storage and transportation methods, high value-added processing techniques, lightweight agricultural machinery and equipment, and agricultural product trade. Fang emphasized the significance of tropical agriculture in the economic and social development of both China and Pacific island nations. He highlighted that the CATAS has made significant strides in its cooperation with Vanuatu, Samoa, Papua New Guinea, F.S.Micronesia, Kiribati, Solomon Islands, Tonga, and other countries in promoting the signing of agreements, conducting technical research, and strengthening capacity building. Fang further proposed the establishment of a China-Pacific Island Countries Tropical Agricultural S&T Collaboration Network, aimed at enhancing collaborative research, promoting the application of innovative technologies, fostering talent training and exchange, and facilitating knowledge sharing. He believed this on-site visit would lay a solid foundation for further strengthening the ties between China and Pacific island countries in tropical agricultural science and technology.

Raushan Kumar emphasized that this survey aligns closely with the FAO's Hand-in-Hand Initiative, aimed at speeding up agricultural transformation and rural development in Pacific island countries through knowledge dissemination, contributing to the achieving of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) at an earlier stage. Subsequently, Lottie Vaisekavea and Antoine Ravo provided insights into the agricultural landscape, challenges, and cooperation intentions of the Solomon Islands and Vanuatu, respectively.

During their stay, the delegation further inspected the experimental demonstration bases for coconut, cocoa, and cassava established by the Coconut Research Institute, Spice and Beverage Research Institute, and Tropical Crops Genetic Resources Institute, subsidiaries of CATAS. They also visited agricultural product processing enterprises like SINOMACH Hainan and Chunguang Coconut Kingdom, engaging in meaningful discussions and exchanges with relevant experts and business leaders.

Discussion between CATAS & UNFAO Delegation

Field Visits to Coconut Research Institute, CATAS

Learn about Technological Products of Spice and Beverage Research Institute, CATAS

Visit Production Line of Tropical Crops Genetic Resources Institute, CATAS