The Center of International Cooperation Service of the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs (MARA) held the second seminar on capacity building for FAO-China SSC Program “Response and recovery to the impact of COVID-19 on rural livelihoods and food systems in countries of the Community of Latin American and Caribbean States (CELAC) through South-South Cooperation” in Santiago, Chile on Aug. 17. 

A Chinese expert on the project delivered a special report entitled “Digital Agriculture: China’s Experience and the Challenges Faced by Latin America and Caribbean States” to representatives of the CELAC member countries. He elaborated on the challenges of digital agriculture, such as accessibility and affordability, supporting policies of the government and private investment, and the power of new technology by citing specific examples. He also described the contribution of digital agriculture to the development of remote areas in China, especially minority areas. He concluded his report by making recommendations for advancing rural digital transformation and improving the resilience of farmers in CELAC member countries based on local conditions. 

The seminar was conducted in a hybrid online-offline format, with live streaming on relevant platforms. Representatives from 15 countries, including Argentina, Barbados and Panama, participated in the discussions online.