Kathmandu— China has pledged to share its advancements in food security innovation with other economies in the Asia-Pacific, aiming for more equitable access to these benefits. Liu Huanxin, head of the National Food and Strategic Reserves Administration, outlined proposals at the APEC high-level public-private dialogue on Thursday, emphasizing digital empowerment and collaborative efforts across the entire food supply chain. The commitment comes as China maintains a stable domestic grain market and seeks to strengthen its own food security while contributing to regional stability during its 14th Five-Year Plan (2021-2025).

Digital Transformation of Food Supply Chains

China intends to broadly apply innovation throughout the food supply chain, with a particular focus on artificial intelligence and digital technologies. The National Food and Strategic Reserves Administration highlighted the potential of ‘smart processing’ within the sector as a key area for development. This push aims to enhance efficiency and resilience in food production and distribution across the Asia-Pacific region.

Call for Enhanced Regional Cooperation

Liu Huanxin advocated for increased collaboration between government departments, businesses, research institutions, and international organizations. He stressed the need for open and mutually beneficial cooperation to address shared concerns regarding food security within APEC economies. This collaborative approach is seen as crucial for maximizing the impact of innovation and ensuring equitable access to resources.

Five-Year Plan Achievements and Future Goals

During the current Five-Year Plan period, China has maintained stability in its domestic grain market while simultaneously expanding international cooperation in the food sector. According to Liu Huanxin, these efforts have contributed to broader food security throughout the Asia-Pacific region and beyond. Looking ahead, China plans to further enhance its overall food production capacity and reinforce its ability to safeguard national food security over the next five years.

The APEC high-level dialogue on food security in Dalian brought together nearly 150 representatives from across the region to discuss these critical issues and explore collaborative solutions.

(With inputs from Xinhua)

Originally published on abcnews.com.np.