On March 22nd-28th, Prof. Xu Pao, Prof. Yuan Xinhua, and Mr. Zhu Wenbin of Freshwater Fisheries Research Center was appointed to South Africa to implement the project "genetic improvement and sustainable aquaculture development of Mozambique tilapia" at the invitation of South Africa Agricultural Research Council of South Africa.
On March 24th, a group of experts visited the Animal Research Institute (API) in Agricultural Research Council of South Africa (ARC-LNR). A seminar on aquaculture research and cooperation was held between China and South Africa. Professor Maiwashe, director of the Institute, delivered a welcome speech to the Chinese experts and briefly introduced the basic situation of the Agricultural Research Council of South Africa, as well as the innovation progress in animal research. Professor Xu Pao also introduced the general development of Freshwater Fisheries Research Center especially the innovation of science and technology in recent years, and education and training achievement. Dr. Mary Jane, project leader of South Africa side, Prof.Yuan Xinhua, Mr. Zhu Wenbin respectively made presentations entitled " aquaculture research and Mozambique tilapia genetic breeding progress in South Africa " and "Chinese aquaculture technology development and management", " research progress and practice of tilapia genetic breeding". In accordance with the requirements of the cooperative research project, the team exchanges in-depth on the methods and results in their respective fields of study, further refine the content of cooperation and time node. All the Chinese experts visited the relevant research and experimental facilities for animal research. More than 20 officials from Forestry and Fisheries Ministry of South Africa and Gauteng Province, and experts from related institutes of Agricultural Research Council and agricultural technology demonstration center between South Africa and China attended the seminar.
During March 25th -27th, a group of experts investigated in Freedom Province and Gauteng Province for aquaculture research and production facilities, they conducted in-depth exchanges with other researchers. In the meantime, the expert group is also designed to agricultural technology demonstration center aided by China for communication and guidance. They examines carefully about the demonstration center of laboratory, workshop, outdoor ponds and cage aquaculture facilities. The expert group then exchange views with Mr. Wu Weijun, project manager of China agricultural development group on the issue of breeding and aquaculture demonstration. 3 technical experts appointed by FFRC to South Africa named Mr.Yu Tongbing, Mr.Wang Jianxin and Mr. Hua Fenglei for technical support in the demonstration center was also taken care of, and were encouraged to do solid work and make a contribution for demonstration and promotion between China and South Africa. In Gauteng, the expert group examined a rainbow trout fish farm in Johannesburg which is an ecological leisure fishery farm. Combined with the current needs in South Africa, they discussed the comprehensive planning and business development strategy, and also put forward the scheme and technical route of Freshwater Fisheries Research Center in cooperation.
The cooperation project by the Ministry of science and technology of China further strengthens the communication between Freshwater Fisheries Research Center and related aquaculture research departments in South Africa.2 experts from South Africa came to FFRC in 2014 for a period of 30 days of academic exchange and research design, wherein, this program achieved a lot since it has been carried out for 1 years.
