Cairo: Minister of Agriculture and Land Reclamation Alaa Farouk held discussions with a high-level delegation from China's Institute for the Control of Agrochemicals (ICAMA) regarding the enhancement of scientific and technological cooperation in agricultural pesticide management. The meeting aimed at strengthening the strategic partnership between Egypt and China, focusing on the regulation, registration, and monitoring of pesticides.

According to State Information Service Egypt, the delegation, led by ICAMA Director Huang Xiujie, included General Office Director Yang Mao and representatives from both Chinese and Egyptian companies. Minister Farouk emphasized the partnership with China as a key element in the ministry's strategy for agricultural sector development. He highlighted the state's efforts to create a favorable investment climate, particularly in the areas of pesticides and agricultural inputs.

Farouk outlined the importance of enhancing the role of the private sector, promoting local manufacturing, and joint investment. He noted that integrating modern technologies with Chinese expertise could help establish a national industrial base for high-quality pesticide production. This initiative aims to achieve self-sufficiency and reduce import reliance.

Investing in human resources and training young professionals is a priority for the ministry. The cooperation will include specialized training programs to transfer modern knowledge to engineers and researchers, advancing pesticide monitoring and integrated pest management systems in line with global practices.

Head of the Agricultural Pesticide Committee (APC), Hala Abu Youssef, presented a draft memorandum of understanding (MoU) with ICAMA, aimed at establishing a framework for expertise exchange and capacity building. The Chinese delegation's visit will include tours of pesticide factories and export farms to evaluate pesticide use and agricultural practices.

Members of the Chinese delegation expressed appreciation for the cooperation, recognizing developments in Egypt's agricultural sector and the investment opportunities available. They affirmed ICAMA's commitment to transferring global technologies in pesticide manufacturing and providing technical and training support to aid Egypt's sustainable agricultural development and export capabilities.

The meeting was attended by officials from the Agricultural Research Center and representatives from private-sector pesticide companies.