CABI opens joint laboratory with China

CABI in conjunction with the Ministry of Agriculture, China has today opened a joint laboratory for bio-safety in Beijing. (22 September 2008)

This initiative comes on the back of a Memorandum of Understanding signed by CABI and the Ministry of Agriculture, China, on 1 December 2007. 

“The establishment of the joint-lab marks a significant milestone in our relationship with China,” said Ian Barry, Chief Financial Officer, CABI,  speaking at the opening ceremony in Beijing. “China is of great strategic importance to CABI and we are keen to strengthen our partnership and work together towards the sustainable development of Chinese agriculture and related sciences.”

China, a member country of CABI since 1995, has the largest population in the world and one of the fastest growing economies. In the light of its rapid development, many environmental challenges lay ahead.

CABI has a wealth of knowledge and expertise to share with China. CABI in collaboration with China will carry out work in the areas of invasive species, integrated pest management technologies and the introduction and development of biopesticide resources.

“CABI’s expertise will complement China’s expertise in bio-safety research, which can facilitate south-south cooperation and help ensure food safety and security worldwide,” said Ian Barry.

China’s links with CABI go back to 1980 when a long-term programme of information exchange was established. This programme allowed CABI to access abstracts of Chinese agricultural literature in exchange for CABI information and products. At the invitation of the Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences (CAAS), CABI opened an office in Beijing in 2002, located within CAAS’s headquarters.

The main functions of the joint laboratory for bio-safety will be to develop a platform for research collaboration, a centre for training and scientific exchanges, an open platform for joint collaboration with third parties and a consultancy service.

The joint laboratory for bio-safety is located at the Institute of Plant Protection, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences. There will be two directors, one from China and one from CABI. These positions will be appointed in the coming months.

More information

CABI in China

Contact
Dr Qiaoqiao Zhang, Director, East Asia, tel: +86 (0) 10 82105692, email: q.zhang@cabi.org

Gaenor Cowles, Communication Executive, International Development & Bioservices, tel: +44 (0) 1491 829 240, mob +44 (0) 7 8877 47336, email g.cowles@cabi.org