This year is the 15th anniversary strategic partnership between China and ASEAN, also the China ASEAN Innovation Year. China-ASEAN Horticultural Product Postharvest Conference approved by the Ministry of science and technology, as one of the “China ASEAN Innovation Year series of activities, was held in Hangzhou from April 16th to 18th.
Dr. Zhang Bin, director of the Department of international cooperation in the Ministry of science and technology, Zeng Xiaofan, the director of International Cooperation Department in Zhejiang provincial science and technology Department, Professor Chen Kunsong and Cheng Shuxi, the Minister of the agricultural society of the scientific research institute in Zhejiang University attended the meeting. Also Scientists from the ASEAN countries such as Thailand, Philippines, Vietnam and Indonesia, as well as Chinese scientists from Peking University, Zhejiang University, Chongqing University, Sichuan University, China Agricultural University, Huazhong Agricultural University, the South China Agricultural University, the Chinese Academy of Sciences and the Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, in total more than 80 representatives, participated in the conference. Don Grierson, fellow of the Royal Society andMondher Bouzayen, academician of the European Academy of Sciences participated in the seminar as invited guests. Professor Chen Kunsong of Zhejiang University and Professor Jingtair Siriphanich of Kasetsart University in Thailand are the convenor of this symposium.
The zero tariff of fruit trade between China and ASEAN countries has greatly promoted horticultural products trade. However, the quality deterioration and high loss during postharvest storage and logistics process directly affect post harvest value and agricultural efficiency. The theme of this conference is postharvest biology, quality evaluation, storage and logistics technology of horticultural products, aiming at solving postharvest problems confronting both China and ASEAN countries. 24 experts and scholars made an oral report on the symposium, involving tomato, durian, coconut, longan, mango, pitaya, citrus, banana, persimmon, peach and other horticultural products.
The delegates also made a special discussion on how to strengthen the cooperation between China and ASEAN in scientific horticultural research. A preliminary consensus reached, such as students and researchers exchange. Also the intention for the next seminar was discussed. The conference provided scientific and technological support and demonstration effect in promoting China and ASEAN science and technology cooperation and construction of The Belt and Road agricultural products logistics network.
