On March 25th, Micronesian President Peter Christiansen (Peter M. Christian) met with CATAS experts in BOAO, Hainan, and had in-depthly exchanged the ideas on the coconut industrial upgrading, and hoped CATAS experts aid to solve the problems in the coconut industry in Micronesia. China ambassador to Micronesia Li Jie, Micronesia ambassador to China Carle and vice president of CATAS, Li Kaimian, coconut research institute director Wang Fuyou attended the meeting.
President Christiansen introduced the development of coconut industry in Micronesia. He said that Micronesia was facing problems of coconut diseases and insect pests, low coconut yield and low product development, hoped CATAS to provide the technical support in coconut seedlings, cultivation, integrative pest management and so on, to help to train the farmers on planting, cultivation and pest control of coconut.
Pr.Li Kaimian, Vice President of CATAS, introduced the scientific and technological achievements of CATAS in tropical fruits and cassava, and agreed to provide the support to the development of agricultural economy in Micronesia. CATAS will set up an expert working group to carry out a field visit to the country.
Director Wang Fuyou introduced the coconut resources, cultivation management, pest control, processing, new varieties in China. And the successful coconut leaf beetle control in the UAE and Saudi Arabia has effectively solved the problem of local pest control.
The two sides have reached a consensus to establish a long-term cooperation mechanism. Coconut Research Institute of CATAS will provide technical support on the healthy development of future coconut and areca industries.
