This morning, Dr. Vincent Martin, the Representative of the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) in China, met with Mr. Wei Zhenglin, the new Deputy Director-General of the Department of International Cooperation of the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Areas (MARA) in China. The two sides made cordial discussion and exchanges on the priorities for cooperation, the progress made in major projects and future development.

Dr. Martin introduced the four priority areas of the FAO-China "Country Programming Framework" (2016 – 2020), and briefed Mr. Wei about the Umbrella Programme of FAO supporting the "Belt & Road Initiative". He also mentioned the progress of the Global Environment Facility (GEF) projects implemented in China. After summarizing the current cooperation with the private sector, Dr. Martin also presented the latest development of FAO's cooperation with the Chinese government in establishing the FAO International Centre of Excellence on Agricultural Innovation & Rural Development.

DDG Wei Zhenglin was very interested about the progress made by FAO projects. He expressed that over the years, FAO has heavily involved in the field of agriculture and rural development in China and made positive contributions to the development of China's agriculture. While affirming the importance of FAO's flagship projects, such as "South-South Cooperation" and "Globally Important Agricultural Heritage Systems (GIAHS)", DDG Wei also stressed that under the main cooperation channel with the Chinese government, FAO is encouraged to strengthen cooperation with the private sector. DDG Wei also indicated his active support to the FAO International Center of Excellence on Agricultural Innovation and Rural Development.