China calls for increased support to agriculture
Chinese Ambassador Shi-Ting Wang has appealed to fellow members of the diplomatic community in the country to increase their countries’ support towards the agriculture sector in Malawi.
The envoy said the move would strengthen the sector and, by extension, the country’s economy since Malawi’s economy is agro-based.
Shi-Ting expressed the sentiments during a field day the Chinese Embassy in Lilongwe organised where it also hosted heads of diplomatic missions at the Malawi-China Agricultural Technology Cooperation Farm situated at the Lilongwe University of Agriculture and Natural Resources (Luanar) Natural Resources College (NRC) campus.
He said: “We wanted to show the diplomatic community the Malawi-China agriculture partnership because although we are here to assist, China alone cannot provide sufficient support.
The facility where the event took place is being renovated by the Chinese Government. Today, the facility comprises a 40-bed hostel, a horticulture farm for practical training sessions and is expected to be used for short courses in horticulture for extension workers and farmers.
Ministry of Agriculture, Irrigation and Water Development deputy director for crop development (horticulture) Evidence Nyalugwe said the Malawi Government is happy that the facility, which was in a dilapidated state, is now refurbished.
In her remarks, dean of the Diplomatic Community Thandiwe Dumbutshena, who is also Zimbabwe High Commissioner, said that having a modern facility is one thing, but maintaining and maximising it is yet another story.
Malawi switched diplomatic ties from Republic of China (Taiwan) in December 2007 to Mainland China (People’s Republic of China).
