From 22 to 24 July 2019, a delegation from IRRI (International Rice Research Institute) led by Director General Dr. Matthew Morell visited CNRRI for discussion about rice science and technology cooperation. CNRRI (China National Rice Research Institute) Director General Dr. Hu Peisong met with IRRI Director General Dr. Matthew Morell and other members of the delegation. CNRRI Deputy Secretary of the Leading Party Group Mr. Fang Xiang, Deputy Director General Mr. Li Guorong and the personnel from relevant department attended the meeting.

CNRRI Director General Dr. Hu Peisong warmly welcomed IRRI Director General Dr. Matthew Morell and gave a brief overview of recent progress in cooperation between CNRRI and IRRI. Dr. Hu Peisong said that IRRI, as the oldest and largest international agricultural research institution in Asia, has made significant contribution to the breeding and extension of the indica variety IR8 and the first Green Revolution of the world. He said that CNRRI is willing to work closely with IRRI pursuing greater contribution to global rice science and technology innovation, increase of income for rice farmers, and world food security. IRRI Director General Dr. Matthew Morell appreciated the warm reception and looked forward to a deepened strategic cooperation established through the visit.

During the discussion, the two sides had an in-depth discussion about ‘ASEAN +3’ Rice Breeding and Genetics Initiative, collaborative research of the China-IRRI Joint Research Center for Rice Quality & Nutrition, cooperation platform of IRRI in China, etc. Aiming to promote the strategic outreach of CNRRI and IRRI in world’s rice science & technology arena, both sides agreed to further promote personnel training & exchange, build closer strategic partnership, and establish a cooperation platform of IRRI in China based on their respective advantages. In addition, CNRRI Director General Dr. Hu Peisong and IRRI Director General Dr. Matthew Morell signed the Memorandum of Agreement concerning Evaluation and Utilization of International Network of Genetic Evaluation for Rice (INGER).

During the visit, the delegation visited the China-IRRI Joint Research Center for Rice Quality & Nutrition, the Rice Product Quality Supervision & Inspection Center of Ministry of Agriculture, National Mid-term Gene Bank for Rice, Phytotron, and Field Demonstration Area of New Varieties and Technologies.