Chinese Minister of Agriculture Han Changfu answers questions at a press conference on implementation of the rural revitalization strategy and promotion of transformation and upgrading of agriculture during the first session of the 13th National People's Congress in Beijing, capital of China, March 7, 2018. (Xinhua/Li Xin)
China is willing to share its experiences with African countries in securing food supply and reforming rural sector, Agriculture Minister Han Changfu said Wednesday.[Special coverage]
Han made the remarks at a press conference on the sidelines of the national legislature's annual session, when he was asked what Africa can learn from China's food self-sufficiency.
Food security has been a top priority for China, a country of more than 1.3 billion people. The Chinese government attaches great importance to food security and has adopted a series of policies and constantly advanced technology, which resulted in more than 600 million tonnes of grain output in 2017, he said.
He cited the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) of the UN as affirming China's role in addressing food security issues globally.
Talking about China-Africa cooperation in food supply and food self-sufficiency, the minister said China has set up agricultural technology promotion centers in 14 African countries, and Chinese experts have been to the least developed African countries to train local people.
Meanwhile, African technicians and officials working for agricultural departments have been invited to China to research and study, according to Han.
"China plays an active role in addressing the problem of food security in African countries, and we will continue to strengthen cooperation with them," he said.
"Since we have different national conditions, we can only offer our experience for reference. We hope that African countries, particularly the least developed ones, can find solutions to food supply problems as early as possible, and that African people can enjoy a better life," he said.
