Today, Senator the Honourable Ravi Ratiram, Minister of Agriculture and Fisheries, participated in the China-Caribbean Agricultural Development and Transformation Seminar, hosted by the Embassy of the People’s Republic of China in collaboration with the Faculty of Food and Agriculture of the University of the West Indies (UWI).
The Seminar, held at the Frank Stockdale Building, UWI St. Augustine, brought together agricultural stakeholders from China, Trinidad and Tobago and the wider Caribbean to exchange knowledge and examine opportunities for collaboration in advancing
agricultural development and transformation.
The programme featured remarks from His Excellency Ren Hongyan, Ambassador of the People’s Republic of China to Trinidad and Tobago; Her Excellency Dr. Elaine Davis, Consul General for The Bahamas; and Ms. Li Xuedi, Division Head, Office of Managing Science and Technology Backyard, Graduate School, China Agricultural University, as stakeholders explored opportunities to deepen cooperation in agriculture and advance practical approaches to the transformation of the sector.
In delivering the opening remarks, Minister Ratiram emphasized that stronger partnerships among governments, academia, research institutions and agricultural development organizations are important to supporting the modernization of agriculture
and responding to the evolving challenges facing food production.
“Agriculture in the Caribbean is at a point where transformation is no longer an option, it is an imperative,” Minister Ratiram stated.
The engagement focused on the role of science, technology, research and innovation in strengthening agricultural productivity, resilience and food systems, while exploring opportunities for greater China-Caribbean cooperation.
The Seminar also provided an opportunity to examine China’s experience in agricultural development and the potential application of adaptable technologies within the Caribbean context, including smart farming, precision agriculture, digital platforms and other
technology-driven approaches to agricultural production and management.
Minister Ratiram noted that the Ministry of Agriculture and Fisheries continues to advance initiatives aimed at increasing domestic food production, strengthening priority agricultural industries and creating greater opportunities for farmers and agricultural entrepreneurs.
Minister Ratiram welcomed the engagement and expressed the hope that the discussions would support the identification of practical areas of cooperation that can be advanced beyond the Seminar and deliver tangible benefits to farmers and agricultural stakeholders across Trinidad and Tobago and the wider Caribbean.
The Ministry of Agriculture and Fisheries remains committed to strengthening strategic partnerships that support innovation, technology adoption, agricultural productivity, food security and the sustainable development of Trinidad and Tobago’s agricultural sector.