Hainan, China — August 6, 2026 – The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) hosted a pivotal global technical workshop in Hainan Province, China, from August 3 to August 8, 2026.
The event gathered over 40 government representatives, technical experts, and development partners from tropical countries spanning Africa, Asia, the Near East, Latin America, and the Caribbean.
The workshop, co — organized by FAO’s OCOP Secretariat and the Chinese Academy of Tropical Agricultural Sciences (CATAS), centered on the development of value chains for tropical agricultural products. It aimed to foster agrifood systems transformation for enhanced food security, nutrition, and sustainable rural development.
In a video message, Alue Dohong, Assistant Director — General and FAO Regional Representative for Asia and the Pacific, emphasized the importance of collaboration with regional science and innovation partners in the successful implementation of OCOP in Asia and the Pacific. Participants, including those from Bangladesh, Cambodia, Cameroon, Djibouti, Egypt, Indonesia, Iraq, Jordan, Liberia, Malawi, Nepal, Samoa, Solomon Islands, Tanzania, Trinidad and Tobago, and Venezuela, engaged in technical training sessions, field visits, and exchanges with Chinese experts.
The program focused on sustainable production, processing, post — harvest management, value addition, and marketing.
The event marked a significant step within the South — South Cooperation initiative, where developing countries share experiences and resources to promote development. China’s role in sharing agricultural technologies and expertise is a cornerstone of this collaboration, aimed at supporting sustainable farming practices globally. Yurdi Yasmi, Director of FAO’s Plant Production and Protection Division (NSP), highlighted the transformative power of OCOP, connecting innovation with farmers, knowledge with action, and partnerships with impact.
As stakeholders from various countries continue to engage in such initiatives, the workshop’s outcomes are expected to contribute to the broader agenda of the African Union’s Agenda 2063 and the FAO’s strategic objectives, enhancing climate resilience and strengthening food security in participating countries.
*Additional reporting by ImNews | Sources consulted: 5*
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This original article was produced by the ImNews editorial team
Source: reliefweb
Source: Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations
