On the morning of March 21, WPA’s Secretary General Zhang Qi, met with Alaa Aldeek, Mayor of Kurf Al-Deek Municipality, Salfeet-Palestine, in Shanghai.

Zhang Qi began the meeting by reviewing Palestine and China’s long history of cordial relations. He stated that bilateral relations have entered a new stage since the two countries formed a strategic partnership in June 2023. Strengthening agricultural cooperation is not only conducive to the strategic partnership, but it is also a crucial step toward promoting economic development. He emphasized that, despite the changing international situation, the friendship between Palestine and China remains strong. The profound friendship is not only reflected in various fields, such as business and culture, but also in the agricultural sector, where there are numerous opportunities for cooperation.

Alaa Aldeek provided an in-depth overview of the agricultural sector’s status quo and challenges. He mentioned that as a result of the war, the city has restricted water and energy delivery, supply shortages, and a strong reliance on external sources for agricultural products, leaving residents in distress. Therefore, it is crucial for Palestine to seek agricultural cooperation with China and other countries.

Through in-depth discussions and exchanges, WPA tentatively decided to entrust CACA to establish strategic cooperation with local peasant organizations and local government, exploring a suitable path for agricultural development based on climate, soil, and resources. The two sides planned to introduce China’s efficient water-saving irrigation technology and soilless cultivation techniques, which are expected to significantly boost the output and quality of Palestinian agricultural products, bringing hopes and stable livelihoods to local peasants.

It is worth mentioning that the two sides also extensively discussed the possibility of using green energy to replace traditional power, therefore supporting Palestine’s green transformation and sustainable agricultural growth. The conversation focused on techniques of energy replacement and on its long-term impact on the eco-environment of Palestinian agriculture, with the goal of building a more environmentally friendly and efficient agricultural production model. In addition, the two sides had in-depth discussions on establishing small-scale food processing plants, which will address the local people’s food problem, transform agricultural products onsite, and increase added value, thus promoting the extension and upgrade of the agricultural industry chain.

These projects demonstrate WPA’s high regard and deep concern for Palestinian agricultural development, as well as its firm determination and proactive actions in helping Palestinian people improve their living standards. WPA hopes to create more opportunities for Palestine and build a better future for the local people.

Lin Weimin, WPA’s Director of Project Management Division, Chen Jianmin, Deputy Director of General Administration Division, and Li Ji, Deputy Director of International Cooperation Division attended the meeting.