Korea and Africa united by "K-Ricebelt" made a strong commitment for agricultural cooperation
Public Relations Division
2023.07.11
580
On July 10, the Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs (Minister Chung Hwang-keun, MAFRA) held the "K-Ricebelt Ministerial Meeting" by inviting 8* agricultural ministers of Africa in Seoul. At the meeting, Korea and 8 African countries announced the official launch of the "K-Ricebelt" project to distribute Korean seeds and transfer agricultural expertise in order to increase rice production in Africa and concluded the memorandum of understanding (MOU) to establish a long-term international cooperation system. * Ghana, Gambia, Guinea, Guinea-Bissau, Senegal, Uganda, Cameroon, Kenya
Many high-level international figures including the ministers or ministerial-level representatives of Ghana, Gambia, Guinea, Guinea-Bissau, Senegal, Uganda, Cameroon and Kenya, (virtual) the Executive Director Cindy McCain of the World Food Programme (WFP) and the Vice President Kevin Urama of the African Development Bank (AfDB) participated in the meeting, demonstrating the international community's keen interest in "K-Agriculture."
The meeting began with the Korean Prime Minister Han Duck-soo's congratulatory remark and Minister Chung Hwang's opening remark. The Prime Minister delivered a message that Korea would actively contribute to global food security and emphasized the importance of future-oriented cooperation with Africa. Also, the Minister expressed his willingness to address food crisis in Africa through the K-Ricebelt project in his opening remark.
Executive Director Cindy McCain of the World Food Programme highly appreciated the K-Ricebelt project in her virtual keynote speech and announced that the WFP would try its best to provide support.
The opening ceremony was followed by the seminars participated by government officials, international organizations and academic experts under the themes of "Global food security and the implementation direction of Korean agricultural ODA" and "Exploring ways of cooperation for a successful K-Ricebelt project."
8 African representatives who attended this meeting mentioned that the K-Ricebelt project was different from others as it supports Africa's self-reliance by transferring Korea's experience and expertise, going beyond providing a mere fund .
Minister Chung Hwang-keun of MAFRA said, "I shaped the very idea of the "K-Ricebelt" project after visiting Africa. Following a series of on-site visits of working-level officials and intensive consultations, the project has been officially launched. We will do our best to enhance rice self-sufficiency in Africa to meet the expectations of many participants from home and abroad."