Windhoek:Namibia Namibia has identified four key areas for agricultural cooperation with China's Sichuan province, as announced by Agriculture Minister Inge Zaamwani on Friday. These areas include agro-technology transfer, mechanisation and local industry development; seed system development, multiplication and crop research; capacity building and exchange of experts; and sanitary and phytosanitary cooperation.

According to Namibia Press Agency, Zaamwani highlighted these priorities at the China-Namibia Agricultural Science and Technology Cooperation and Exchange Seminar held in Namibia's capital. Sichuan has developed over 900 improved plant and animal varieties, and Namibia aims to enhance its research capacity in seed development, multiplication, and varietal improvement.

Namibia is transitioning from rain-fed farming to irrigation-driven, climate-smart production while unlocking underutilized brownfield land across its 14 regions. This cooperation aligns with the Strategy for the Transformation of the Agri-food Sector. Additionally, Namibia seeks collaboration on food safety, biosecurity, and animal and plant health as it aims to increase its agricultural and fisheries exports to China.

Chinese Ambassador to Namibia Zhao Weiping noted that China has approved the export of Namibian table grapes and wild aquatic life. A China-aided borehole drilling project is also underway, and the zero-tariff policy offered by China to Africa is expected to boost Namibia's agricultural exports to China. The seminar, hosted by the Sichuan Academy of Agricultural Sciences, marks a significant milestone in the bilateral relationship, following President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah's recent state visit to China.