On May 17, 2008 the opening ceremony of the Workshop cum Training Program on Hybrid Rice Technology Transfer sponsored by China Ministry of Science and Technology, jointly organized by Yuan Longping High-tech Agriculture Co. Ltd. China and Bangladesh Islam Group was held in Bhagalpur, Kishoregonj. Agriculture adviser for Bangladesh Caretaker Government Dr. C S Karim, Chinese Ambassador to Bangladesh Mr. Zheng Qingdian attended the ceremony and delivered speeches.

Dr. Karim said frequent natural disasters and the weak agriculture infrastructure cause a great threat to Bangladesh food security. The development of Bangladesh agriculture relies heavily on advanced knowledge and technique. Bangladesh would like to learn from China in this regard to promote the development of its agriculture.

Ambassador Zheng said agriculture is the pillar sector of Bangladesh economy. China encourages more Chinese agro enterprises to cooperate with Bangladesh and share experience and technology with Bangladesh companies to promote agriculture cooperation between the two countries and contribute to the development of Bangladesh agriculture.

This training program lasts one month during which Chinese experts will train over 30 technicians on hybrid rice technology.