Laos “checks in” at Nan Nong—this is the top star of China-Laos agricultural cooperation!

  Chen Fadi warmly welcomed the delegation’s visit, noting that this visit not only recognizes Nanjing Agricultural University’s achievements in agricultural higher education and scientific and technological innovation but also represents an important opportunity for China and Laos to deepen their agricultural cooperation. He emphasized that the university is willing to take research on crops such as soybeans as a breakthrough point to promote the construction of the “China-Laos Modern Agricultural Demonstration Park” and help upgrade Laos’ agricultural industry. Vice Minister Kiat Souvan expressed his heartfelt gratitude for the university’s warm reception, stating that Nanjing Agricultural University’s strong research capabilities and internationalized approach to education are truly impressive. He looks forward to expanding cooperation from soybean research to the entire agricultural value chain, and leveraging the joint training mechanism to cultivate specialized technical talents for Laos.

Following the talks, Vice President and Director of the Sanya Research Institute, Wang Yuanchao, and Acting Director of the Lao National Institute of Agriculture and Forestry, Phetmanyseng Xangsayasane, signed a memorandum of understanding on cooperation on behalf of their respective institutions, with Chen Fadi and Kiat Souvannavong serving as joint witnesses. According to the agreement, in the future, both sides will focus on advancing the construction of an agricultural technology demonstration park and a China-Laos soybean joint research center, while deepening cooperation in areas such as mutual visits by faculty and students, joint scientific research, and international academic conferences.

  In the afternoon, during the special symposium, Professor Gai Junyi, an academician of the Chinese Academy of Engineering, put forward systematic and forward-looking recommendations on key areas—including the construction of a collaborative education system integrating industry, academia, research, and application; the conservation and innovation of germplasm resources; and technological breakthroughs across the entire soybean value chain—offering important insights for future practical cooperation. Xu Guowu, Chairman of XuanYe Company, provided an update on the trial planting of soybeans in Laos and expressed his commitment to further deepening university-enterprise collaboration, actively promoting the development of Laos’ soybean industry, and making positive contributions to strengthening China-Laos friendship. The meeting reached several consensuses on topics such as establishing multi-party cooperation mechanisms, expanding areas of collaboration, and jointly cultivating talent.

On the 19th, the delegation visited and exchanged views with the Sanya Research Institute of Nanjing Agricultural University. Wang Jiabao, Deputy Director of the Hainan Provincial Department of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, and Kikhao Sinnaon, Deputy Minister of the Lao Ministry of Agriculture and Environment, jointly unveiled the plaque for the “China-Laos Soybean Joint Research Center.” Also present to witness the event were Wu Rongshun, Deputy Secretary of the University Party Committee and Secretary of the Commission for Discipline Inspection; Zhou Jun, Deputy General Manager of Hainan Haiken Group and Chairman of Hainan Nanfan Seed Industry Group; Zhang Lei, Deputy Secretary-General of the Sanya Municipal Government; Tong Liyan, District Chief of Yajiang District; and Xu Guowu, Chairman of XuanYe (Laos) Co., Ltd.

In his speech, Wang Jiabao stated that Hainan, as China’s only tropical province and the core base of the Southern Breeding Silicon Valley, shoulders a national mission in the field of technological innovation in tropical agriculture. Wang Jiabao pointed out that the provincial Party committee and provincial government attach great importance to international agricultural cooperation and support integrating the construction of the “Center” into the overall development plan and construction of Yalong Bay Science and Technology City. Wang Jiabao expressed his hope that the Sanya Research Institute of Nanjing Agricultural University would be able to pool resources from all quarters and build the “Center” into a model for China-Laos scientific and technological cooperation, a bridge connecting China with ASEAN agricultural cooperation, and make new contributions to regional food security.

  At the symposium, Wu Rongshun pointed out that Nanjing Agricultural University boasts strong research capabilities in crop genetic breeding, particularly in soybean research, and has made positive contributions to ensuring national food security. He emphasized the need to focus on core technologies and carry out joint research efforts; to promote the commercialization of research findings and facilitate industrial upgrading; and to strengthen capacity-building and cultivate specialized talent. He expressed his hope that the Sanya Research Institute would adopt an open attitude to foster resource sharing, collaborative technology development, and mutual utilization of research outcomes, thereby accelerating the global outreach of China’s advanced seed technologies and superior varieties. This will further contribute to safeguarding regional food security and nutrition, promoting green and sustainable agricultural development, enhancing the well-being of the people of China and Laos, and building an even closer China-Laos community with a shared future!

  Ji Gao Xinnong highly praised the achievements made by the Sanya Research Institute in scientific research, technology transfer, talent development, social services, and other areas. He expressed his willingness to work together with the Institute to explore new avenues for agricultural technology cooperation and to support the development of Laos’ agriculture and rural areas. Following this, both sides also conducted briefings on Laos’ agricultural policies and held collaborative workshops, further reaching consensus on promoting the implementation of substantive projects and refining cooperation mechanisms.

  During the visit, the delegation toured the Zhang Zhiwen Library, the exhibition of teaching achievements at Nanjing Agricultural University, the National Research Center for Information Agriculture Engineering Technology, the National Key Laboratory for Crop Genetics and Germplasm Innovation and Utilization, the exhibition of educational achievements at the Sanya Research Institute, the laboratory of the Soybean Horticultural Germplasm Innovation Center, and the international student dormitory. They also had a warm and friendly exchange with Lao students currently studying at the university, gaining a detailed understanding of their academic and daily life experiences.