The UAE and China have ratified two memorandums of understanding (MoUs) to strengthen agricultural cooperation and jointly build a wholesale market for agricultural, livestock and fishery products, said a report.

The UAE was represented by the Ministry of Climate Change and Environment (MOCCAE), and China was represented by the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs (MARA), reported state news agency Wam.

The MoUs were signed by Dr Thani bin Ahmed Al Zeyoudi, Minister of Climate Change and Environment and Ni Jian, Ambassador of China to the UAE, it said.

As per the agreements, the UAE and China are mandated to strengthen cooperation in modern agriculture, such as hydroponics and organic agriculture, apply modern agricultural techniques, especially in irrigation and in using treated water for agriculture.

They will also collaborate in the exchange of expertise, science and technology in the fields of pest control, agriculture in saline areas and food security and diversity, it added.

The two countries agreed to jointly build a wholesale market for agricultural, livestock and fishery products in the UAE to ensure food safety, reduce spoilage, increase revenue, and stabilise food prices in the region.

They also concurred that the operation of the wholesale market should reflect market dynamics with the businesses as the principal stakeholders and the governments playing a guiding role.

Furthermore, to solidify this venture, the UAE and China will facilitate the mobilisation of private capital and implement a modern enterprise management system. Chinese businesses will establish the wholesale market as per the standards and specifications permitted in the UAE and will be tasked with its management and operations, added the report.