On 18 May 2020, SCO Secretary-General had a meeting with Liu Xiaohu, Director of the Academy of Agricultural Engineering.
They discussed the strengthening of agricultural cooperation between the SCO countries.
The SCO Secretary-General informed the Chinese colleague about the main spheres of the SCO's operation and the mechanisms for promoting agricultural cooperation.
"Agriculture is a cooperation priority of the SCO member states set out in the SCO Development Strategy until 2025. We are focusing on joint high-tech projects in agricultural production and processing as well as on the introduction of novel technology in agriculture, including in the food sector," Vladimir Norov explained.
He pointed out the increased importance of agricultural cooperation in light of the coronavirus epidemic in the SCO countries. He believes that the exchange of experience and deeper cooperation between the SCO countries' government agencies and research centres can help overcome the negative consequences of the pandemic in agriculture.
Liu Xiaohu updated the SCO Secretary-General on the academy's activities and international cooperation in agriculture, livestock breeding, agricultural processing, ICT and environmental protection.
The academy director expressed interest in developing cooperation and exchanging experience with the concerned agencies in the SCO countries.
The meeting was attended by Vice President of the China National Machinery Industry Corp (Sinomach) Ding Hongxiang and Secretary General of China Overseas Development Association (CODA) He Zhenwei.
The Chinese Academy of Agricultural Engineering (CAAE) was established in 1956 and is governed by the China National Machinery Industry Corp (Sinomach). It comprises one leading state laboratory, two engineering laboratories and three quality control and testing centres.
The academy holds agricultural courses for developing countries, which over 3,000 managers and agricultural experts and business people from over 100 countries have graduated.
The academy has implemented some 2,500 high-tech projects of nationwide significance, prepared 1,400 related standards and created about 3,200 kinds of agricultural engineering products. It also holds 700 state patents and 500 decorations.
Sinomach is a state-owned enterprise focused on novel technology and high-tech products. It includes 19 companies with 5,400 personnel. Sinomach companies are on the list of China's 500 top industrial businesses.