Recently, the Institute of Environment and Sustainable Development in Agriculture (IEDA) of Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences (CAAS) signed a Memorandum of Understanding on Cooperation in the Field of Agriculture and Rural Development with the China Office of the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA China Office). Qian Yu, Deputy Director General of the Department of International Cooperation of CAAS, and Mashima Tetsuya, Counselor of the Embassy of Japan in China, attended the signing ceremony. Zhao Lixin, Executive Deputy Director of the China-Japan Research and Development Center for Agricultural Technology (the Center) and Director General of IEDA, and Takeuchi Kazuo, Chief Representative of JICA China Office, signed the memorandum on behalf of their respective sides. The ceremony was moderated by Yao Zonglu, Deputy Director General of IEDA.

The two sides reviewed and looked ahead to the cooperation carried out over the years through the Center. Qian Yu expressed the hope that the Center would continue to play an important role in facilitating agricultural science and technology exchange and cooperation between China and Japan, and constantly improve the level of bilateral collaboration. Zhao Lixin stated that, as the supporting institution of the Center, IEDA is committed to strengthening cooperation and opening up new channels for joint efforts. Mashima Tetsuya and Takeuchi Kazuo spoke highly of the Center's work to date.

According to the Memorandum, both sides will fully leverage the bridging role of the Center and capitalize on their respective knowledge, experience, and networks to advance cooperation in training, exchange seminars, and talent development.

Representatives from the Department of International Cooperation of CAAS, the Embassy of Japan in China, JICA China Office, and IEDA attended the signing ceremony.