China is willing to work with Zambia to make good use of the FOCAC platform. (Image source: Adobe Stock)

Chinese Ambassador Han Jing exchanged his views on China-Zambia agricultural cooperation during a courtesy call 26 August, on Minister of Agriculture of Zambia, Reuben Phiri 

China's is optimistic about Zambia's agricultural investment prospects and is willing to work alongside Zambia to utilise the platform of Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC), to promote more joint agricultural projects in Zambia and more exports of Zambian agricultural products to China to benefit the two peoples.

The Ministry of Zambia has rendered strong support, in turn guarenteeing the implementation of the consensus reached by the two heads of state and further deepening of the comprehensive strategic and cooperative partnership between China and Zambia.

Minister Phiri stated that Zambia-China agricultural cooperation has yielded fruitful results under the strategic guidance of the two heads of state and welcomed Ambassador Han to assume his office. This opens a gateway for Chinese businesses to invest in Zambia's agricultural sector, with the upcoming FOCAC Summit hoping to serve as a mutually beneficial, win-win cooperation between the two countries in the field of modern agriculture. 

China has become one of the primary importers of Ethiopian coffee. (Image source: Adobe Stock)

In recent years, Ethiopian coffee has been gaining widespread popularity in the Chinese market, mainly through platforms such as the China International Import Expo (CIIE) as well as cross-border e-commerce

While Roasted coffee beans from the Ethiopian coffee brand Gera was showcased at the third CIIE, Ethiopian highland coffee with vibrant orange packaging was showcased at an e-commerce live stream during the fifth edition of the expo. As the popularity of Ethiopian coffee kept growing, online sales of the product saw a surge of 300% during the expo’s sixth edition. 

Expressing great delight, Ethiopian ambassador to China, Tefera Derbew Yimam, noted that China has become one of the primary importers of Ethiopian coffee. "The embassy will continue to facilitate Ethiopian business participation in the expo," Yimam said.

Besides coffee, other products like sesame seeds and green beans from Ethiopia have also made their way to supermarkets, stores, and retail markets in China. 

The seventh edition of CIIE is scheduled to take place from 5-10 November this year in Shanghai, China. For more information, visit: https://www.ciie.org/

Gabriel H. Salee receives the Donated KR Food Aid Rice from Mochizuki Hisanobu. (Image source: Minister of Foreign Affairs, Liberia)

The formal handover ceremony of rice to the Government of Liberia (GOL) took place on 18 June at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Monrovia, and stands as a significant gesture of international cooperation and goodwill

The donated KR Food Aid rice is a vital food staple for many Liberians. It is expected to bolster food security and provide relief to vulnerable populations across the country. 

Noting that the donation aligns with the ARREST Agenda of the government, the acting Minister of Foreign Affairs, Gabriel H Salee, expressed deep gratitude to the Government and people of Japan for their unwavering support and solidarity. She further emphasised that Japan’s assistance reflected their commitment to international cooperation and humanitarian aid. 

"Today's donation is a testament to the strong and enduring friendship between Liberia and Japan,” stated Minister Salee. This generous contribution will go a long way in addressing the food needs of our people, particularly those who are most vulnerable.“

Mochizuki Hisanobu, Ambassador of Japan to the Republic of Liberia, presented the rice carrying a value of US$1.5mn, on behalf of the Japanese Government. According to him, the Food Assistance programme has been one of the sustainable means of raising revenue through the Counterpart Value Fund to tackle the Government of Liberia’s ARREST developmental initiatives and also address cross-cutting challenges to the survival, livelihood and the dignity of people. 

The partnership aims to eradicate food waste to landfills. (Image source: CP Foods)

Dedicated to managing surplus food and reducing food loss, Charoen Pokphand Foods Public Company Limited (CP Foods) spearheads its involvement in the ‘Thailand's Food Bank’ initiative

The partnership involving the National Science and Technology Development Agency (NSTDA), the SOS Foundation, and private sector partners, aims to eradicate food waste to landfills. 

CPF Global Food Solution Public Co., Ltd. (CPFGS), the leading global food solutions provider engaged in food products and services under CP Foods, has implemented comprehensive measures to minimise food waste.

By employing meticulous inventory management strategies and extending product lifecycles through proper handling and storage, CPFGS aims to significantly curb the volume of surplus food designated for disposal. When surplus inventory is unavoidable, the company actively seeks opportunities to repurpose safe, high-quality food items through partnerships with charitable organisations and food redistribution programmes.

As part of Thailand's Food Bank project, CP Foods has implemented robust measures to minimise food waste throughout its supply chain, including optimised inventory planning, effective shelf-life management, and diverting safe, high-quality surplus food to vulnerable communities.

"At CP Foods, we prioritise responsible production and consumption practices, setting an ambitious target of Zero Food Waste to Landfill," affirmed director of logistics and distribution centres at CPFGS, Tawit Thanhakarnjanakul. “We stand ready to collaborate and contribute our expertise in studying innovative approaches to effectively manage surplus food and reduce food waste across the nation.”

For more information, visit: www.cpfworldwide.com/