A five-member delegation from Antigua and Barbuda has departed for China to participate in an international seminar on new vegetable varieties and modern cultivation technologies for developing countries.

The two-week program, running from August 22 to September 4, 2025, is hosted by the Anhui Institute of International Business in Hefei, Anhui Province. It brings together 30 participants from across the developing world to share knowledge and learn about innovative agricultural practices, particularly in vegetable cultivation.

During the seminar, delegates will attend lectures, take part in field visits, and engage in cultural exchanges. Sessions will cover vegetable breeding, disease management, molecular marker applications, post-harvest technologies, and biotechnological research in horticulture. Participants will also visit research institutes, seed companies, and modern agricultural parks in Beijing, Langfang, and Hefei.

The program includes cultural immersion activities, with delegates scheduled to explore iconic Chinese sites such as the Temple of Heaven, the Great Wall, and the Bird’s Nest National Stadium.

Since 2013, the Anhui Institute of International Business has hosted over 50 foreign-aid training programs under China’s Ministry of Commerce, training more than 1,200 officials and technical personnel from developing countries.

Antigua and Barbuda’s participation underscores the country’s commitment to strengthening its agricultural sector through innovation and international collaboration. Officials expect the training to enhance food security, improve crop yields, and encourage sustainable farming practices at home.