08 September 2023, China: The 14th International Conference on Agricultural Trade Policy was held in Beijing in the 1st week of September. Ma Youxiang, Vice Minister of the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, attended the conference.
Vice Minister Ma pointed out that agricultural trade plays an important role in ensuring food security and sustainable agricultural development, which are fundamental matters concerning human survival. The Chinese government has always regarded food security as a top priority in governing the country and has actively promoted international cooperation in the field of food and agriculture as well as the development of agricultural trade. It has thus made important contributions to global food security and sustainable agricultural development.
Vice Minister Ma emphasized that global food security and sustainable agricultural development are currently affected by many unstable, uncertain, and unpredictable factors. Frequent extreme weather events, unstable trade policies, insufficient protection and utilization of agricultural resources, the conversion of grains and oils into energy, and capital speculation, among other things, are creating serious challenges. Countries should strengthen dialogue and consultation on trade policies, promote openness and integration in the agricultural field, and enhance cooperation in agricultural S&T innovation and agricultural development assistance, so as to help achieve the United Nations’ zero hunger and sustainable development goals at an early date.
Vice Minister Ma met with Jean-Marie Paugam, Deputy Director-General of the World Trade Organization, before the conference.
