Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4
The Secretary for Environment and Ecology, Mr Tse Chin-wan, began his visit to the Chinese Academy of Tropical Agricultural Sciences (CATAS) in Hainan Province yesterday (September 2).
Mr Tse visited the Haikou campus of the CATAS yesterday morning and toured the Tropical Crops Genetic Resources Institute and the Institute of Tropical Bioscience and Biotechnology. He was briefed on the latest research outcomes of the CATAS in fields including the conservation of tropical crop genetic resources, variety improvement and biological breeding. He then visited the CATAS exhibition hall to learn about the development history of tropical agricultural science and technology since the establishment of the CATAS, as well as its experience in promoting the application of technology.
Mr Tse then discussed and exchanged views with the President of the CATAS, Dr Lu Yanhui, and other experts on agricultural science and technology co-operation, technology application and talent training between the two places.
The Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department signed the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) on cross-boundary co-operation in tropical agriculture with the CATAS in September last year, and this visit aims to explore and implement the co-operation framework under the MOU and strengthen the co-operation in agricultural science and technology and talent exchanges between the two places.
Mr Tse pointed out that the CATAS possesses top-tier agricultural technology and research capabilities, while Hong Kong enjoys the advantages of an international market, scientific research, financial and professional services. Through deepening co-operation in the direction of complementarity and mutual benefits, the two sides not only can comprehensively empower and boost efficiency for Hong Kong’s agricultural industry and facilitate its modernisation, but also help the CATAS to transform its research into practical applications and go global, thereby strengthening the international status of the agricultural industry of the country.
In the afternoon of the same day, Mr Tse visited the Hainan Tropical Botanical Garden of the CATAS to learn about its achievements in the conservation of rare and endangered plants, as well as the integration of tourism, scientific research and education.
Mr Tse visited the Spice and Beverage Research Institute of the CATAS this morning (September 3), to learn how the institute utilises tropical spice and beverage crops to cultivate fine varieties and develop distinctive high value-added products, as well as to learn about the local practical experience in promoting the development of industrialisation and the commercialisation of research outcomes.
Mr Tse will return to Hong Kong this evening.