Source : Institute of Apicultural Research

Recently, to understand the needs of South-South cooperation in Oman's agricultural sector, facilitate the exchange of experience in China-Oman apiculture cooperation, and advance the implementation of the China-United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO)-Oman South-South Cooperation Project, at the invitation of the FAO Division for South-South and Triangular Cooperation and with the strong support of all parties concerned, Director Chu Haomiao from the International Organizations Division of the Foreign Economic Cooperation Center of the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, and Researcher Wang Kai from the Institute of Apicultural Research of the Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences traveled to Oman and successfully completed the planning and design task for the China-FAO-Oman South-South Cooperation Project.

This project is jointly funded by the China-FAO South-South Cooperation Trust Fund and the Omani Government's Unilateral Trust Fund. Its aim is to leverage China's technological advantages in areas such as beekeeping and honey production to enhance the international competitiveness of Oman's apiculture industry. The planning delegation held discussions with Ahmed Al Bakri, Undersecretary (Deputy Minister level) of the Omani Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Water Resources; Tariq Yassin, FAO Representative in Oman; heads of key departments including the Department of Plant Production and the Department of Animal Production of Oman; as well as the Chinese Embassy in Oman. Additionally, the delegation conducted field research in representative beekeeping production areas, including Rustaq and Balqah in the Batinah North Governorate in northern Oman, and Salalah in the Dhofar Governorate in southern Oman. Through in-depth visits and investigations with government departments, research institutions, apicultural product markets, and beekeepers, the delegation gained a comprehensive understanding of the current status, problems, and development potential of Oman's apiculture industrial chain, and agreed on the cooperation model and comprehensive solutions for the Oman project in terms of national policies, technology transfer, and market expansion. On this basis, the planning delegation held a joint meeting with the Omani Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Water Resources and the FAO Representative Office in Oman, exchanged views on the draft project plan, and reached a consensus.

It is reported that the China-FAO-Oman South-South Cooperation Project is the first South-South cooperation project in the field of apiculture carried out in the Middle East Region, and also the first South-South cooperation project participated in by the Institute of Apicultural Research of the Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences. The project will further promote agricultural science and technology cooperation and bilateral relations between China and countries in the Middle East. It is of great significance for advancing the implementation of China's Plan for Accelerating the Construction of a Strong Agricultural Country (2024-2035), promoting cooperation in the field of food security under the Global Development Initiative, and achieving the UN 2030 Sustainable Development Goals. The implementation of this planning and design task will also strengthen mutual understanding between China and Oman in the field of apiculture, and further enhance the influence and depth of cooperation of the Institute of Apicultural Research in the international apiculture field.