The Chinese Ambassador to Guinea, Sun Yong, has highlighted Guinea's vast natural resources, which he believes can be leveraged to achieve food self-sufficiency and increase agricultural exports. Speaking at the closing ceremony of a workshop on tropical food production and fruit tree processing in Conakry on September 30, Sun Yong emphasized the importance of agriculture in Guinea's economy and food security. He noted that modernizing agriculture is crucial for sustainable economic and social development.
According to Sun Yong, Guinea's natural conditions, including abundant rainfall and fertile land, make it an ideal place for agricultural development. He cited President Mamadi Doumbouya's emphasis on agriculture as the first pillar of the Simandou 2040 program, demonstrating the Guinean government's commitment to promoting agricultural modernization. Sun Yong also stressed the need to develop skills, improve production techniques, and create market opportunities for Guinean agricultural products.
The Chinese ambassador highlighted the long-standing cooperation between China and Guinea in agriculture. He recalled that China has always supported Guinea's agricultural development and taken concrete measures to achieve this goal. Since the 2024 Beijing Summit of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation, China has announced a zero-tariff policy on all Guinean products exported to China and streamlined inspection and quarantine procedures for Guinean agricultural products.
Sun Yong believes that these measures will reduce export costs, provide Guinean farmers with a stable and large export market, and attract investment in agriculture and agro-industry. He expressed confidence that Guinea can develop its tropical production to meet local needs and export to China. Chinese experts from the Tropical Agricultural Academy have been sent to Guinea to share their expertise in tropical crop production and processing.
Cooperation between China and Guinea extends to rice cultivation, with Sun Yong discussing the development of hybrid rice with Guinean authorities. He expressed optimism about this cooperation, noting that Guinea has 2 million hectares of land suitable for rice cultivation, which can meet the country's needs and export to neighboring countries.
Sun Yong reaffirmed China's commitment to working with Guinea to implement agreements between the two countries' leaders and deepen cooperation on initiatives such as the Belt and Road and Simandou 2040. He aims to strengthen food security in Guinea and enhance the comprehensive strategic partnership between China and Guinea.
The workshop and cooperation efforts aim to enhance the capacities of Guinean actors in agriculture and food production. With China's support, Guinea can tap into its agricultural potential and improve food security, ultimately becoming a significant player in regional and global agricultural markets.
Key points
- Guinea has considerable natural assets to achieve food self-sufficiency and increase agricultural exports.
- China has announced a zero-tariff policy on all Guinean products exported to China and streamlined inspection and quarantine procedures.
- Guinea has 2 million hectares of land suitable for rice cultivation, which can meet the country's needs and export to neighboring countries.
