By ZAKAA LAZARUS
Participants from nine countries have completed a two-week Seminar on Fruit Processing and Comprehensive Utilisation hosted by the China National Research Institute of Food & Fermentation Industries Corporation in Beijing.
The seminar, which ran for 14 days, brought together government officials and technical experts from Jordan, Uzbekistan, Pakistan, Nigeria, Tanzania, Antigua and Barbuda, Costa Rica, Thailand, and Bangladesh.
In a closing address on behalf of participants, the group expressed appreciation to the Chinese government and the Institute for organizing the programme.
They specifically thanked Mr Peng Hao, Director of the Department of International Cooperation, and his Deputy, Mrs Guo Chen, for their support during the training.
The participants said the lectures delivered by Chinese professors provided in-depth knowledge on fruit processing and comprehensive utilisation that will be applied in their respective countries.
They also commended the Institute for the hospitality, accommodation and welfare arrangements provided throughout their stay.
Group supervisors including Mr Xipo Wang, Miss Ruixi Wang, Miss Yuhan Wang and Mr Yuan Sheng Guan were acknowledged for maintaining discipline and time consciousness during the programme.
As part of the seminar, participants undertook study tours to Damin Food Company Limited in Zhangzhou, Fujian Zishan Group Company Limited, Tianfu Tea Culture Industrial Park, Fujian Lixing Food Company Limited, and the Ten Fu Tea Museum. The visits, they said, exposed them to China’s innovation and industrial practices in food processing.
The group also visited the Great Wall of China, which they described as a symbol of vision, resilience and unity in nation-building.
The participants noted that the seminar reflected the spirit of the Belt and Road Initiative by fostering cooperation and professional networking among developing countries.
They concluded that beyond technical knowledge, the programme strengthened international relationships and provided a platform for knowledge exchange that will contribute to food processing development back home.
