On 26 August 2019, Director General Prof. Hu Peisong of CNRRI (China National Rice Research Institute) met with Minister Mr. Jamshid Khodjaev from Ministry of Agriculture in Uzbekistan. Based on discussion on bilateral cooperation in rice science and technology, the two sides signed a Memorandum of Understanding on the establishment of China-Uzbek Rice Research Joint Center.

CNRRI Director General Prof. Hu Peisong introduced CNRRI’s situation, its scientific and technological developments and its latest bilateral exchange with Uzbekistan. Prof. Hu Peisong planned some areas for future cooperation, including breeding of drought-tolerant rice varieties, development of water saving irrigation technologies, etc.

Minister Mr. Jamshid Khodjaev introduced Uzbekistan’s rice production and development plan as well as policies on agro-industrial investment. He agreed on the intended areas of cooperation proposed by Prof. Hu Peisong and looked forward to more collaborative research jointly conducted with scientific research institutions and relevant companies from China. Minister Mr. Jamshid Khodjaev expected that the meeting would further promote bilateral cooperation in rice science and technology, pushing forward development of rice industry in Uzbekistan.

The two sides conducted in-depth exchange of views on ways and objectives of cooperation. Prof. Hu Peisong and Minister Mr. Jamshid Khodjaev signed Memorandum of Understanding on Scientific Research Cooperation in the Field of Agriculture Between China National Rice Research Institute of the Chinese Academy of Agriculture Sciences and Rice Research Institute of Scientific Production Center of Agriculture and Food Ensuring on the establishment China-Uzbek Rice Research Joint Center. Mr. Li Guorong, CNRRI Deputy Director General; Mr. Saidkamol, Vice Minister of Ministry of Agriculture; Mr. R.Mamadjanov, head of Investment Cooperation Department, Ministry of Agriculture; Mr. Utkir.Kodirov, head of International Cooperation Department, Ministry of Agriculture; Mr. M.Sattarov, Director General of Rice Research Institute, the Uzbek Scientific Production Center of Agriculture and Food Ensuring; and representatives from Zhongnongfa Seed Industry Group Co., LTD attended the meeting.