China-aided agricultural technology assistance project in Suriname starts construction

The China-aided agricultural technology assistance project in Suriname started construction in Salamaka on Nov 21. Chinese Ambassador to Suriname Han Jing, Surinamese President Chandrikapersad Santokhi, and government officials of Suriname as well as representatives of China-funded institutions in Suriname attended the groundbreaking ceremony.

In his speech, Han said that China and Suriname have reached a high degree of consensus on agricultural development and food security. Thanks to a series of government policies in recent years, China has made great progress in agricultural science and technology, with its grain production achieving bumper harvests for 18 consecutive years, he said.

The importance of agriculture development is becoming increasingly prominent amid the severe and complex global food security situation, Han noted, saying that China has increased its assistance for Suriname in agriculture, meeting the latter's current and future development needs.

China is willing to work together with Suriname to further promote practical cooperation in agriculture and various fields under the framework the Belt and Road Initiative and the Global Development Initiative, Han said.

Santokhi voiced appreciation for China's assistance and stressed the important role of agricultural science and technology in ensuring food security amid increasing risks in agricultural production caused by climate change.

He spoke highly of China's efforts in developing high-yield and high-quality farm produce and the China-Suriname agricultural cooperation.

Noting that the leaders of the Caribbean Community agreed to reduce grain imports by 25 percent by 2025, Santokhi said that the Surinamese side looks forward to improving agricultural techniques and developing agricultural chains with the help of China.