Agria signs five-year cooperation agreement with government of Guiyang, China

Agria Corp. signed a five-year cooperation agreement Tuesday to modernize agricultural production in the Guiyang, China, region.

The agreement is with the city government of Guiyang, the capital of Guizhou province. The region has a population of more than 34 million.

Agria Executive Chairman Alan Lai said the company is pleased to partner with the Guiyang government to assist with its agricultural development and modernization efforts.

“This high level of cooperation with the support of the Guiyang government will facilitate technology and economic exchange between China and New Zealand,” Lai said. “We are excited to play our role in contributing to the economies of both countries. Our efforts will be supported by key partners, including Lincoln University, to provide relevant technology, training and education support to the Guiyang initiative."

Last week, Agria established a partnership with New Zealand's Lincoln University to promote the research, development and commercialization of New Zealand's sustainable agriculture industry and foster an educational exchange between the country and China.

The Agria agreement with the Guiyang government will cover a number of projects, including development of a China-New Zealand free trade demonstration park and seed and livestock demonstration farms; promoting trade and investment; setting up agricultural finance and trading businesses; creating a development fund to invest in local agricultural enterprises; and crafting an educational exchange specializing in vocational and professional training services.