CIDCA chairman addresses Forum on the 20th Anniversary of Juncao Assistance and Sustainable Development Cooperation

The China International Development Cooperation Agency (CIDCA) and the Fujian Provincial Government co-hosted the Forum on the 20th Anniversary of Juncao Assistance and Sustainable Development Cooperation at the Diaoyutai State Guesthouse in Beijing on Sept 2.

President Xi Jinping sent a congratulatory letter to the forum. State Councilor and Foreign Minister Wang Yi read the letter and gave a keynote speech at the forum.

Chairman of the CIDCA Luo Zhaohui, Vice-Governor of Fujian Guo Ningning and Lin Zhanxi, inventor of Juncao technology, made remarks at the forum.

Secretary-General of the United Nations Antonio Guterres sent a congratulatory message to the forum. President of the Central African Republic Faustin Archange Touadera, Prime Minister of the Independent State of Papua New Guinea James Marape, Prime Minister of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan Imran Khan, Prime Minister of the Lao People's Democratic Republic Phankham Viphavanh and Secretary-General of Pacific Islands Forum Henry Puna sent personal video messages.

Liu Jianchao, deputy director of the Office of the Central Commission for Foreign Affairs, Qian Keming, vice-minister of commerce, Ma Youxiang, vice-minister of agriculture and rural affairs, Zhou Liujun and Deng Boqing, vice-chairmen of the CIDCA, Peng Youdong, deputy head of the National Forestry and Grassland Administration, and more than 150 representatives attended the event, including representatives of relevant Chinese government departments, as well as more than 60 ambassadors to China and representatives of international organizations in China, representatives of relevant provinces and cities, and representatives from the Juncao industry.

In his speech, Luo said that 20 years ago, President Xi, then governor of Fujian province, gave important instructions on and personally worked for the introduction of Juncao technology to Papua New Guinea under an official aid project. Since then, with the love and goodwill of the Chinese people, Juncao has made its way across the world from the South Pacific to Africa, from South Asia to Latin America, and to the United Nations, bringing benefit to humankind. Thanks to the continuing commitment of President Xi, the technology has helped alleviate poverty, protect the environment, promote sustainable development, and bring wealth and hope to people in many countries. Just like hybrid rice, Juncao technology has become a shining example of China's global poverty alleviation efforts and has been warmly received in many countries. A senior cabinet minister of Papua New Guinea named his daughter "Juncao" and people in Lesotho have written folk songs about Juncao.

Luo said that 35 years ago, after years of tireless exploration and experimentation, Lin, a professor in Fujian, successfully turned a certain type of grass that used to grow in the mountains into a precious plant that has benefited many people. The high-yield, low-cost Juncao grass is resistant to drought, wind and sand and can retain water and soil. It has contributed immensely to poverty reduction endeavors in both China and recipient countries of the technology.

Luo called for forum attendees to salute Lin with a warm round of applause.

Luo expressed gratitude to the provincial government of Fujian, the Office of the Central Commission for Foreign Affairs, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Ministry of Commerce, the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, and other government agencies for their strong support. Gratitude should also be given to the colleagues of the CIDCA, Luo said.

Without joint and sustained efforts, Juncao technology would not be able to become known worldwide and make great contributions to the building of a community with a shared future for mankind and to the realization of the UN 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.

Luo also thanked relevant countries and UN agencies, as well as diplomatic envoys and representatives, adding that without their involvement and cooperation, the technology would not have demonstrated such strong vitality.

Guo reviewed Juncao international cooperation efforts supported by Fujian and proposed more work to be done in the future to support the global development of Juncao through central and local cooperation. Lin discussed the latest developments in Juncao technology, adding that the forum would help to promote Juncao around the globe.

Guterres and dignitaries from several countries affirmed the remarkable achievements of Juncao technology in helping achieve the goals of the UN 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. They expressed expectations for even more international cooperation projects with China that could be similar to Juncao in terms of securing people's livelihoods and achieving sustainable development for all of the world's people.