On February 22^nd, Pakistani Delegation paid a visit to China National Rice Research Institute (CNRRI) of Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences (CAAS), headed by Dr. Atta ur Rahman, who is the former Pakistani Minister of Science and Technology, winner of “2014 Friendship Award of China” and Foreign Member of Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS). CNRRI Director General Dr. Cheng Shihua, Deputy Director General Dr. Hu Peisong received the delegation.

Dr. Cheng Shihua delivered a welcoming address, and reviewed the history of rice science and technology cooperation between the two sides. Dr. Hu Peisong introduced China’s rice production and development of CNRRI. Muhammad. Iqbal Choudhary, Director of International Center for Chemical and Biological Sciences, University of Karachi briefed the center’s history, development and achievements, as well as its focus and requirements for strategic cooperation.

In-depth discussions and exchanges have been conducted on strengthening joint research of hybrid rice, and a Memorandum of Understanding has been reached. Two sides decided to set up the China-Pakistan Hybrid Rice Joint Research Center. Shouldering the major task of developing hybrid rice, the center is also dedicated to build a platform for joint research, resources exchange, personnel training, technology transfer and commercialization for scientists and technicians from both China and Pakistan.

As a major rice producer, Pakistan boasts great potential and prospect for hybrid rice development, due to the proper natural conditions and rich labor resources. The establishment of China-Pakistan Hybrid Rice Joint Research Center would foster the implementation of China’s “Belt and Road” initiative, accelerate the pace of national agricultural “Going-Out” strategy, as well as promoting rice technology development of Pakistan.