Cctv newsOn April 28th, the joint prevention and control mechanism of the State Council held a press conference to introduce the development of agriculture and rural economy during the epidemic and answer questions from reporters.
The reporter asked how China and other member countries will face the impact of the COVID-19 epidemic on global agriculture.
Sui Pengfei, Director of the International Cooperation Department of the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs
Sui Pengfei, director of the Department of International Cooperation of the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, said that human beings are a community of destiny. The more they face disasters, the more they should help each other. Agriculture is the "ballast stone" to stabilize the economy and society. The more you face risks, the more you must stabilize agriculture. China’s agriculture has withstood the major test of this sudden epidemic.
The G20 agriculture ministers’ meeting achieved many important results: First, it issued a clear and firm voice to safeguard world food security. All parties indicated that the common crisis needs a united response, and cooperation should be strengthened in policy coordination, information exchange and experience sharing, so as to support international organizations to play a greater role.
The second is to reach a consensus on reducing trade restrictions. We should abide by WTO rules, avoid unreasonable trade restrictions, and ensure that emergency measures are targeted, transparent, appropriate and temporary.
The third is to put forward a plan to stabilize the global supply of agricultural products. The G20 accounts for 78% of the world’s bulk grain production and 75% of agricultural products trade. All parties agree that it is important to ensure the normal operation of the grain market supply chain, increase support for farmers and small and medium-sized enterprises, and stabilize the expectations and confidence of the international community.
The Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs will do a good job in China’s grain production and agricultural product supply, and make China contribution to global food security in a special period. Strengthen cooperation with international organizations and relevant countries, and increase efforts to support agricultural South-South cooperation and economic and trade exchanges. Under the mechanism of G20 agriculture ministers’ meeting, coordinate and promote the elimination of trade barriers, smooth international logistics, and promote the stability of international agricultural production, market and trade.