Co-organized by China National Rice Research Institute(CNRRI) and International Rice Research Institute (IRRI), the 21st AnnualMeeting of Council for Partnerships on Rice Research in Asia (CORRA) was held inHangzhou during September 19 to September 22. Dr. Cheng Shihua, DirectorGeneral of CNRRI and Chairperson of CORRA 21st meeting, Dr. Hu Peisong, DeputyDirector General of CNRRI, Dr. Matthew Morell, Director General of IRRI, Dr. JackieHughes, Deputy Director General of IRRI, Dr. Zhang Huijie, Deputy DirectorGeneral of Department of International Cooperation of Chinese Academy ofAgricultural Sciences (CAAS), together with other 36 delegates from IRRI andits 14 member countries in Asia, presented the meeting.

In the opening ceremony, CNRRI Director General Dr. ChengShihua warmly welcomed all the delegates present at the meeting. He emphasizedthat since the establishment of CORRA in 1996, it has been an importantplatform for information exchange between Asia’s major rice producers andconsumers in rice technology. At present, the emergence of global challengessuch as climate change, resource scarcity and urbanization poses threat toworld food security. It is time for CORRA’s member countries to enhancepractical bilateral and multi-lateral cooperation in rice science andtechnology.

During the meeting, ways to enhance cooperation and exchangein rice science and technology are focused. The main issues for discussioninclude International Cooperation in Agricultural Research and Developmentunder One Belt One Road, The 2017-2025 IRRI Strategy, ASEAN +3Rice Breeding and Genetics Initiative, Promoting Regional Cooperation inRice Science and Technology in South and SE Asia, Capacity Development& IRRI Education, CNRRI Strategy for Rice Sector Development andInternational Cooperation, etc. Based on in-depth discussion and effectivenegotiation, member countries present at the meeting agreed and signeddeclarations of ASEAN + 3 Rice Breeding and Genetics Initiative.

During their stay in Hangzhou, delegates also visited CNRRI affiliatedState Key Laboratory of Rice Biology, Rice Product Quality Inspection &Supervision Testing Center of MOA, National Mid-term Gene Bank for Rice and Phytotron.Some of CNRRI developed varieties and technologies are also introduced to them.