Fully Realize the Role of Enterprises in Promoting Scientific Innovation in Seed Industry and Development
22 January 2021, China: The Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs (MARA) and CITIC Group held a symposium recently to exchange views on priorities of agricultural and rural development work, including strengthening seed innovation and land protection and enhancement. Tang Renjian, Director of the Office of the Central Leading Group for Rural Affairs and Minister of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Zhang Taolin, Vice Minister of MARA, Zhu Hexin, Chairman of CITIC Group, and Xi Guohua, President of CITIC Group, attended the meeting and delivered remarks.
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Minister Tang pointed out that the key to ensuring food security lies in increasing grain production through soil conservation and technology progress. Seeds and arable land issues must be solved. Enterprises play an integral part in pushing for innovation in seed industry. Institutional innovation should be carried out to deepen the integration of institutes and enterprises, and S&T and industry. Collaborative innovation among government, industry, institute and research shall be strengthened to make breakthroughs in key technologies at a faster speed. Enterprises must be given full play in the development of seed industry and are encouraged to boost investment in infrastructure construction and breeding research. Efforts should also be made to build a number of internationally competitive seed companies.
CITIC Group has actively participated in developing modern agriculture in recent years. In the areas of germplasm conservation, breeding research and seed industrialization, it has a good basis for development and a competitive edge. Minister Tang said that MARA will support CITIC Group in making full use of its advantages and leading role to accelerate scientific innovation, thus contributing to China’s food security.
Wei Baigang, Chief Economist and Director of the General Office of MARA, and Wang Guoquan, Vice President of CITIC Group, attended the symposium.
