On 12-14 October 2025, the ASEAN-China Centre (ACC) and the People’s Government of Henan Province co-hosted the 2025 ASEAN-China (Henan) Cooperation and Development Conference on Food and Agriculture in Zhengzhou, Henan Province. The event was attended by over 400 participants including high level representatives from both China and ASEAN Member States, ASEAN Secretariat and relevant academic and business organizations.

Secretary General Shi Zhongjun of the ACC, Party Secretary Liu Ning, Governor Wang Kai of Henan Province, Deputy Minister Mugaiti of the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs of China, Deputy Minister U Bo Bo Kyaw of the Ministry of Agriculture, Livestock and Irrigation of Myanmar, Permanent Secretary Tutiaty Abdul Wahab of the Ministry of Primary Resources and Tourism of Brunei, Under Secretary of State Hong Narit of the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries of Cambodia, Governor Muzakir Manaf of Aceh Province of Indonesia and Deputy Governor Ing Kimleang of Siem Reap Province of Cambodia graced and spoke at the opening ceremony. 

Under the theme “Digital-powered Food & Agriculture Cooperation, Innovation-driven Regional Growth,” participants exchanged views and practices on smart agriculture, digital innovation, green practices, expansion of two-way trade and investment on agricultural sector to foster regional agricultural and economic vitality amidst the global challenges.

The event also saw the launch of the China (Henan)-ASEAN Smart Agriculture Demonstration Center and the Initiative for the China (Henan)-ASEAN Agricultural Universities Science and Technology Innovation Alliance.

In his opening remarks, Shi Zhongjun highlighted that China-ASEAN agricultural cooperation has yielded fruitful results under the strategic guidance of the leaders of both sides,

with an agricultural cooperation pattern characterized by complementary advantages and mutual benefits. He expressed hope that this conference will identify mutually beneficial cooperation projects especially in the area of smart agriculture, building efficient supply chains, enhancing policy communication, exploring opportunities in capacity building. The collaboration between Henan and ASEAN countries will inject energy into regional development and prosperity.

Liu Ning said Henan has been building its modern industrial system and maintaining a strong agricultural province. Henan's exchanges and cooperation with ASEAN have achieved significant progress with ASEAN being its largest trading partner. Henan will join hands with ASEAN to build green, safe, and sustainable grain and agricultural industry, value and supply chains, develop agricultural service trade and deepen agricultural technology cooperation, and inject new vitality to a closer ASEAN-China community with a shared future and high-quality BRI development.

On behalf of the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs of China, Mugaiti introduced the tangible results of China-ASEAN agricultural cooperation in recent years. China stands ready to work with ASEAN countries to further deepen cooperation, share experiences and technologies, seize development opportunities, and promote more secure, greener, intelligent, and resilient regional agricultural development.

Secretary-General Kao Kim Hourn of ASEAN delivered remarks via video message, stressing that as major global agricultural producers and consumers, ASEAN countries and China should jointly build a digital powered, innovation-driven, and resilient agricultural and food ecosystem, benefiting people in the region while contributing to global food security and sustainable development.

Guest speakers from AMS widely commended China’s achievements in agricultural technology innovation and application, recognized China’s efforts in promoting common prosperity with developing countries through sharing experiences and development opportunities, expressed willingness to integrate their agricultural development strategies with China’s strengths and implement more projects that benefit people’s livelihoods. 

Guests also visited the 4th Belt and Road (Henan) International Agricultural Cooperation Expo and local enterprises.