Wu Chongbo, a professor at Xiamen University whose expertise is Southeast Asian studies, has suggested China and ASEAN countries focus on seed trade to boost bilateral agricultural ties.

According to Wu, Southeast Asian countries enjoy an advantageous natural environment where agricultural products can be yielded three times a year – one time more than in China. The hybrid rice developed by Yuan Longping, the father of the technology, was widely appreciated by Southeastern countries, giving the area hopes of conceiving more tangible fruits while avoiding chemical fertilizer pollution.

He also recommended the two sides strengthen cooperation in grain, oil and food processing, agricultural product deep processing, and feed processing.

"These areas are endowed with great investment potential," the professor said.

Wu listed several problems and challenges that investors must prepare themselves for, such as the intensifying competition between international great powers in Southeast Asia, the lack of local personnel fluent in Chinese, and the underdeveloped infrastructure, which have greatly restricted local development.

China and ASEAN have enjoyed sound relationships in recent years. Total trade between the two sides reached $587.9 billion in 2018, with China maintaining its position as ASEAN's largest trading partner for 10 consecutive years. ASEAN ranks third among China's trade partners.

Wu Chongbo, a professor at Xiamen University whose expertise is Southeast Asian studies, delivers a keynote speech at the first Belt and Road Agricultural Materials Summit in Xiamen on Sept 9. [Photo by Lin Yuyang provided to chinadaily.com.cn]