The 2024 Lancang-Mekong Cooperation Forum for Agriculture, Agricultural Materials, Economy and Trade was successfully held in Nanning, Guangxi, from December 4 to 5, 2024. Over 220 representatives from relevant government departments, associations and chambers of commerce, cooperatives, and agricultural enterprises of 11 countries, including those from the Lancang-Mekong region, ASEAN, Kazakhstan, and Mongolia, attended the forum. They jointly explored the potential and opportunities for cooperation in agriculture, agricultural materials, economy and trade among the Lancang-Mekong and ASEAN countries. They actively promoted the green and sustainable development of regional agriculture and agricultural materials and enhanced economic and trade cooperation.

This forum was hosted by the All China Federation of Supply and Marketing Cooperatives (ACFSMC), organized by the China-ASEAN Chamber of Agricultural Commerce (CACAC), co-organized by the Supply and Marketing Cooperatives of Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, and co-sponsored by China National Agricultural Means of Production Group Co., Ltd. and Guangxi Supply and Marketing Investment Group Co., Ltd. The two-day forum featured a rich and diverse program, including the opening ceremony, MOU signing ceremony, the screening of short videos from the "Lancang-Mekong Agricultural Lecture Series", sharing of special reports, exchanges among associations and chambers of commerce, promotion of enterprises and products, as well as on-site visits and exhibitions. Representatives from various countries engaged in pleasant exchanges and active interactions, achieving positive outcomes.

Mr. Hou Shunli, Deputy Director of the Council of ACFSMC, and Mr. Xu Xianhui, Vice-president of the People's Government of Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, attended the forum and made opening remarks. Mr. PRUM Somany, Director of the Department of International Cooperation of Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries of Cambodia and SOM Leader of Lancang-Mekong Cooperation (LMC), Mr. Sysalong Kinnavong, Deputy Director for Department of Agriculture of Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry of Lao PDR, Ms. Khazana binti Ibrahim, Deputy Director for Department of Agriculture of Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security of Malaysia, and Ms. Hnin Sandar, Director of Myanmar Trade Promotion Organization (MYANTRADE), Ministry of Commerce, delivered speeches respectively at the opening ceremony. Long Wen, Director General of the Bureau for Agricultural Means of Production & Cotton and Jute of ACFSMC and President of CACAC, presided over the opening ceremony. Fan Huiqun, Second-level Inspector of the Bureau for Agricultural Means of Production & Cotton and Jute of ACFSMC and Executive Vice-president and Secretary-general of CACAC, presided over the forum's special report and panel discussion session. Zhang Lijun, Deputy Secretary-General of CACAC, presided over the forum's afternoon session on December 4.

Hou Shunliu said in his speech that this year marks a crucial year for China and ASEAN to further deepen their comprehensive strategic partnership, and it also marks the 10th anniversary of the Lancang-Mekong Cooperation Initiative. The Lancang-Mekong Cooperation has become a "golden platform" for regional cooperation. This forum, with the theme of "Promoting Green and Sustainable Development of Lancang-Mekong Agriculture and Agricultural Materials", aims to deeply exchange the latest progress in agriculture, agricultural materials, economy and trade as well as technology between China and ASEAN, particularly among countries in the Lancang-Mekong region. It also aims to enhance the display and matchmaking of enterprises, products, and technologies to promote regional resource sharing, market expansion, and trade cooperation. This forum not only serves as a concrete action to implement the outcomes of the 27th China-ASEAN Leaders' Meeting but also represents a significant initiative to deepen agricultural, agricultural materials, economic and trade cooperation within the Lancang-Mekong region, contributing to the green and sustainable development of regional agriculture. He proposed that all relevant parties further enhance cooperation in three aspects: first, to deepen agricultural collaboration and jointly safeguard regional food security; second, to strengthen the supply of agricultural materials and promote green development in regional agriculture; and third, to broaden economic and trade cooperation, thereby fostering the growth of a super-large regional market.

In his speech, Xu Xianhui emphasized the importance of leveraging Guangxi's geographical and agricultural resources advantages to deepen exchanges and cooperation with Mekong and ASEAN countries in industry and trade. He highlighted the need to promote regional resource sharing, market matchmaking, and trade expansion, striving to enhance China-ASEAN economic and trade cooperation positively.

Mr. PRUM Somany, Director of the Department of International Cooperation of the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries of Cambodia and SOM Leader of Lancang-Mekong Cooperation (LMC), stated that the Lancang-Mekong Basin is endowed with abundant natural resources and agricultural diversity. The Lancang-Mekong Cooperation plays a crucial role in meeting the basin's demands and contributes positively to promoting global food security and economic stability. All parties should actively take measures to: first, strengthen agricultural trade, improve market access for agricultural materials and agricultural products, and enhance connectivity; second, promote agricultural investment by providing better financing channels; and third, enhance cooperation in agricultural research and development as well as technological advancement to improve efficiency and productivity, thereby driving agricultural development and economic growth.

Mr. Sysalong Kinnavong, Deputy Director for the Department of Agriculture of the Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry of Lao PDR, stated in his speech that the people of Laos have benefited from the Lancang-Mekong Cooperation, particularly through investment collaborations with China in the agricultural sector. The Lao government supports the development of agriculture and forestry, implementing policies to enhance agricultural production and attract foreign investors. Cooperatives, associations, chambers of commerce, and other organizations in Laos also work together to expand the export of Lao agricultural and processed products.

Ms. Khazana Binti Ibrahim, Deputy Director for the Department of Agriculture of the Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security of Malaysia, stated that Malaysia also recognizes the importance of the Lancang-Mekong Cooperation, which brings biodiversity, fertile soil, and abundant water resources. It is essential to strengthen agricultural development, agricultural trade cooperation, and jointly safeguard food security among Lancang-Mekong and ASEAN countries. Big data, the Internet of Things, and digitalization should be utilized to improve the efficiency of soil and water resource management and promote sustainable agricultural development. Malaysia emphasizes agricultural production efficiency and trade transparency, prioritizes the safety of imported organic fertilizers, and actively promotes sustainable cooperation to enhance development resilience.

Ms. Hnin Sandar, Director of Myanmar Trade Promotion Organization (MYANTRADE), Ministry of Commerce, stated in her speech that Lancang-Mekong countries should work together to enhance food security, protect the agricultural environment, and promote agricultural innovation. With a significant amount of agricultural products exported to China, the European Union, and ASEAN countries, Myanmar looks forward to deepening cooperation and exchanges in the fields of agriculture, agricultural materials, economy and trade to promote the export of Myanmar's agricultural and forestry products, strengthen friendships, and jointly foster the shared prosperity of Lancang-Mekong countries.

China National Agricultural Means of Production Group Co., Ltd., the Supply and Marketing Cooperative of Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, and the People's Government of Fangchenggang City, Guangxi, have jointly signed a tripartite strategic cooperation agreement.

MOU signing between CACAC and Lao National Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LNCCI)

At the forum's opening ceremony, Chinese and foreign leaders and guests also witnessed the signing of two strategic cooperation agreements. The first was a tripartite strategic cooperation agreement signed by China National Agricultural Means of Production Group Co., Ltd., the Supply and Marketing Cooperative of Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, and the People's Government of Fangchenggang City, Guangxi, which aims to leverage the superior geographical advantages and port infrastructure of Fangchenggang City to invest in and construct projects such as agricultural materials (reserve) warehouses. This initiative will further ensure the stable supply and pricing of domestic agricultural materials while actively expanding agricultural materials trade cooperation with ASEAN. The second agreement was a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) signed between CACAC and the Lao National Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LNCCI), building on their previous successful collaboration. According to the MOU, both parties will strengthen information exchange, business communication, and relationship coordination in the production, trade, and technology of agricultural materials and products, jointly providing support and assistance for agricultural, agricultural materials, economic and trade cooperation, as well as enterprise development between China, Laos, and other ASEAN countries. 

A series of short videos titled "Overview of Agriculture and Agricultural Materials in China" from the "Lancang-Mekong Agriculture Series" were played at the forum. Through vivid video presentations, the progress and achievements in China's agricultural and agricultural materials sectors, such as the development and prospects of China's water-soluble fertilizer industry, the construction of high-standard farmland, and the improvement of cultivated land quality were introduced, aiming to enhance publicity and exchange among countries and industries and promote information sharing and resource integration.

During the forum, government departments and industry experts from multiple countries delivered insightful presentations on the agricultural and agricultural materials, economic and trade policies, market conditions, investment environment, and development prospects of Lancang-Mekong and ASEAN countries.

Mr. Xu Yang, Deputy Division Chief of the Fertilizer Technology Division of the National Agro-Tech Extension and Service Center, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs of China, presented a special report titled "Green and Sustainable Development of Agricultural Materials in China". He highlighted the progress in product innovation within China's agricultural materials industry, shared experiences and practices in promoting green agricultural technologies, and provided an outlook on the collaborative green development of agriculture in China and ASEAN.

Ms. KAO Sochivi, Deputy Secretary General of the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries of Cambodia, delivered a special report on the overview of Cambodia's agricultural sector. She covered Cambodia's agricultural development strategy, production and trade status, investment environment, and future growth potential.

Ms. Khin Mar Oo, Deputy Director General for the Department of Planning, Ministry of Agriculture, Livestock and Irrigation, Myanmar, shared a presentation titled "Agricultural Sector Report: Production, Trade and Investment in Myanmar".

Mr. Hairuddin bin Maslan, Principal Assistant Secretary of the Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security of Malaysia, explained "The Development of Agriculture and Food Security & Business Opportunities", focusing on the second version of Malaysia's Agricultural Policy and the potential and opportunities in the food industry.

Huseyin Polat, Professor of Cooperative Management and Training of the International Labour Organization & United Nations Cooperative Development Consultant, delivered a thematic report titled "Cooperatives in Central Asia and ASEAN Countries". The report introduced the ASEAN Cooperative Development Roadmap and the cooperative development models and policies in Central Asian countries.

Several associations, chambers of commerce and cooperatives engaged in exchanges at the forum, sharing updates on their respective organizations and industry developments, and expressed their intentions for collaboration.

Ms. Gerelzaya Altangere, Head of the Policy Coordination Department, Ministry of Food, Agriculture and Light Industry of Mongolia, presented on "State Policy of the Development of SMEs and Cooperatives: Connecting Agriculture and Cooperatives".

Mr. Phung Ha, President of the Vietnam Fertilizer Association, introduced the Situation of the Fertilizer Sector in Vietnam.

Mr. Shaharudin bin Bakar, Chairman of the Technical Committee of the Fertilizer Industry Association of Malaysia, shared the development status of the Malaysian fertilizer market, management policies and the relevant situation of the Industry Association of Malaysia. 

Mr. Ye Min Aung, Vice-president of the Union of Myanmar Federation of Chambers of Commerce and Industry, updated Myanmar's economic situation, focusing on the agricultural sector.

Mr. Mohd Shakran bin Shamsudin, General Manager of the Perak State Farmers' Organisation of Malaysia, provided an overview of the industry status as well as members, resources, products, projects, and collaboration needs of the Perak State Farmers' Organization.

Myint Sein, Vice-president of Myanmar Fruits, Flowers and Vegetable Producer and Exporter Association, shared the business development opportunities in Myanmar.

In addition, representatives from six outstanding enterprises in China and ASEAN countries introduced their respective companies' product development, trade and investment activities, and collaboration needs. They also analyzed and provided insights into the current situation and prospects of the domestic and international agricultural and agricultural materials markets.

Zhang Cigan, Deputy General Manager of Guangdong Tianhe Agricultural Means of Production Co., Ltd., shared the company's practical experience in "Focusing on Core Responsibilities, Enhancing Service Capabilities, and Striving to be a Leading Provider of Modern Comprehensive Services for Agricultural Production".

Huang Peng, Deputy General Manager of Genliduo Bio-Tech Co., Ltd., introduced the new technologies for high-quality development of next-generation organic fertilizers. 

Sun Feifei, Vice-chairman of Shikefeng Chemical Industry Co., Ltd., shared the company's progress in the industrialization and application promotion of new types of fertilizers.

Elad Rubinstein, Sales Coordination Manager of Yunnan Phosphate Group Haikou Phosphate Industry Co., Ltd., introduced the company's innovative new products, NPS and NTSP, with significant practice effect. 

Pham Van Dinh, Head of the Business Plan Department of Vietnam Agricultural Product and Material Joint Stock Company（APROMACO）, introduced the company's relevant situation.

Nguyen Duc Minh, a Board member of Hanoi Chemical and Technology Joint Stock Company, introduced the relevant situation of Vietnam Tien Nong Group.

Through special reports, sharing and exchanges, and fantastic presentations, the participating representatives gained a deeper understanding of various countries' agricultural and agricultural materials industries and insights into outstanding enterprises and their new products and technologies. It has opened up new opportunities for collaboration.

Participants had a panel discussion

On the morning of December 5, the forum organized a collective discussion and exchange session for the attending representatives, creating opportunities to expand interaction and cooperation. Representatives from cooperatives in Kazakhstan, Vietnam, Indonesia, the Philippines, and Malaysia, as well as relevant government departments and organizations such as the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries of Cambodia, the Myanmar Trade Promotion Organization, the Lao National Chamber of Commerce and Industry, and the NAFAS Bajakimia Sdn Bhd of Malaysia, along with representatives from several Chinese enterprises including Shandong Supply and Marketing Agricultural Service Group Co., Ltd., Jiangxi World Agricultural Means of Production Chain Group Co., Ltd., Guangdong Tianhe Agricultural Means of Production Co., Ltd., Jiangsu Huachang Chemical Co., Ltd., Genliduo Bio-Tech Co., Ltd., Hebei Agricultural Means of Production Group Limited Company, Sino-Agri Tianjin Fertilizer Co., Ltd., and Etherchem International Company Limited, actively participated in the discussion and expressed their hopes for collaboration.

On the afternoon of December 5, the Chinese and foreign representatives were divided into three groups to conduct on-site visits and research at China-ASEAN Information Harbor Co., Ltd. and Guangxi Tianyuan Biochemistry Co., Ltd. They were deeply impressed by the developments in information technology, digital intelligence, and green innovation in agriculture.

 The participants visited the China-ASEAN Information Harbor Co., Ltd. 

The participants visited the Guangxi Tianyuan Biochemistry Co., Ltd.

Since 2019, the Lancang-Mekong Cooperation Forum for Agriculture， Agricultural Materials, Economy and Trade has successfully been held five times. It has established an important platform and channel for strengthening agricultural, agricultural materials, economic and trade cooperation between China and countries in the Mekong region and ASEAN. The forum actively promotes the green development and innovative application of agricultural products and agricultural materials in the region, fosters deep integration and coordinated development of agricultural industry chains and supply chains among all parties, and collectively contributes to the Lancang-Mekong cooperation as well as the prosperity and development of China and ASEAN.