The Netherlands is set to enhance its agricultural partnership with China, building upon a longstanding history of collaboration in the sector. During a Sino-Dutch seminar on agricultural cooperation held in Beijing on Wednesday, representatives from both nations expressed optimism about deepening ties.
Officials, entrepreneurs, and researchers from China’s Shanghai and the Netherlands’ South Holland province convened to exchange ideas and explore opportunities in agricultural technology innovation and sustainable development. The seminar highlighted the mutual benefits of cooperation in advancing agricultural practices.
In a video message, Erik Smidt, agricultural counselor at the Dutch Embassy in China, emphasized the enduring relationship between the two countries. “China and the Netherlands share a rich history of cooperation in agriculture, with collaboration spanning decades,” Smidt noted. “We have worked together on various projects ranging from high-tech agriculture to food safety and sustainability.”
Smidt highlighted successful joint ventures involving Dutch and Chinese companies, universities, and research institutions in fields such as horticulture and dairy. These partnerships, he said, showcase “best practices in agricultural production that benefit both our countries” and have promoted the exchange of expertise, driving advancements in precision agriculture, resource management, and sustainability.
Floriske Deutman, board member of the Tomato World Foundation, a non-profit organization dedicated to promoting Dutch agricultural products, underscored the synergy between Dutch technology and the Chinese market. “The greatest potential for collaboration between the Netherlands and China, especially in Shanghai, lies in the synergy of advanced Dutch agricultural technology with China’s vast and dynamic market,” Deutman told Xinhua in an interview. “Together we can focus on integrating smart greenhouse technology, precision farming, and data-driven agriculture into Shanghai’s agri-horticultural sector,” she added.
The seminar reflects a mutual commitment to fostering innovation and sustainable practices in agriculture. As both nations face challenges related to food security and environmental sustainability, strengthened cooperation could lead to significant advancements that benefit not only China and the Netherlands but also contribute to global agricultural development.
Reference(s):
cgtn.com
