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In early December 2025, a delegation from the Solomon Islands National University (SINU) comprising Mr Andrew Awa, Executive International Relations Officer, Mr Alex Makini from the Postgraduate and Research Office, and Mr Carlos Hiro from the Faculty of Agriculture, Fisheries & Forestry visited Nanjing, China, where SINU engaged with the Jiangsu Academy of Agricultural Sciences (JAAS) and the ChinaโPacific Island Countries Agriculture Cooperation and Demonstration Center (CPIAC). The visit reaffirmed a shared commitment to advancing agricultural transformation, research collaboration, and capacity-building across the Pacific region. The joint engagement marked an important step forward in deepening ChinaโPacific cooperation in support of sustainable agricultural development, food security, and climate resilience.
Speaking on behalf of SINU, the Universityโs representatives reiterated SINUโs mission to deliver high-quality higher education and applied research that contributes directly to national development priorities. As the Solomon Islandsโ only higher education institution, SINU underscored its long-standing responsibility in nurturing undergraduate and postgraduate students across five faculties, particularly the Faculty of Agriculture, Fisheries & Forestry, which plays a central role in supporting national agricultural research and innovation.
SINU commended JAAS for its scientific excellence and leadership in areas including food safety, agricultural product processing, smart agriculture, and germplasm innovation. These areas, the representative noted, are closely aligned with the development needs of the Solomon Islands and the wider Pacific Islands region. The visit to JAAS, facilitated by Yangzhou University, was described as an important opportunity to translate shared priorities into practical collaboration and long-term partnerships.
On behalf of JAAS, the Vice President Chen Xin delivered a welcome message emphasizing JAASโs strong commitment to supporting Pacific Island Countries. Although unable to attend in person due to official obligations, Vice President Chen reaffirmed the warmth and continuity of ChinaโPacific relations, stating that โnothing, not even mountains and seas, can separate people with shared goals.โ He highlighted that the joint efforts of JAAS, CPIAC, and Yangzhou University have created valuable opportunities for exchange despite geographical distance.
JAAS also affirmed its long-standing mission to advance agricultural and rural development through technological innovation. The establishment of CPIAC in May 2023 was highlighted as a milestone that has enabled more structured and practical cooperation between China and Pacific nations. Given the rich tropical agricultural resources of Pacific countries, JAAS emphasized growing opportunities for collaboration in crop improvement, technology demonstration, talent development, and joint scientific research.
Both institutions outlined priority cooperation initiatives under the renewed SINUโJAAS partnership. These include the establishment of a Joint Coordination Committee (JCC), the launch of joint R&D projects, the creation of a Joint Agricultural Research Laboratory, expanded capacity-building programs for SINU staff and students, germplasm and knowledge exchange in line with biosecurity laws, and the pursuit of joint funding to support impactful research.
Senior JAAS experts specializing in food crops, vegetable and cash crops, and soil improvement, many with experience working in Papua New Guinea, Solomon Islands, Vanuatu, Fiji, and other Pacific nations were convened to enrich discussions and identify practical areas of cooperation. Both sides expressed confidence that these dialogues will help spark innovation and deepen technical collaboration.
SINU and JAAS concluded by reaffirming their commitment to an enduring, mutually beneficial partnership that strengthens agricultural capacity, promotes innovation, and contributes to a shared future of resilience and prosperity for China and the Pacific region.
ENDS//