An online symposium was held by China-Canada-Nigeria International Cooperation Platform(JAAS) on Functional Foods for Prevention and Treatment of Diabetes and CardioVascular Diseases on 14th July, 2022. JAAS attendants include the researchers from the Institute of Agro-product Processing, the Institute of Industrial Crops, and the Institute of Leisure Agriculture. Staff members from the Department of Agro-industry of the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries of Cambodia (CamLABF), and the team of Prof. Masisi Kabo from Botswana International University of Science and Technology attended the symposium online. Prof. Li Chunyang from the Institute of Agro-product Processing, JAAS, chaired the meeting.

During the symposium, Dr. SIM Chheko from CamLABF made a detailed introduction about the current situation and development trend of the Cambodian plantation and agro-processing industry, and proposed suggestions for further cooperation within the China-Canada-Nigeria cooperation platform under COVID-19 pandemic. Prof. Kabo Masisi from Botswana International University of Science and Technology presented the latest research progress of his team about the alleviation effects African medicinal plants on the oxidative damage and fatty acid profile disorders caused by obesity, and analyzed the industrialization prospects of the research. Prof. Li Chunyang introduced the research progress in nutrient mining, high value processing and quality maintenance of the featured agro-foods in Jiangsu Province. Dr. Yuan Xingxing from the Institute of Industrial Crops talked about the research progress in screening new varieties of mung beans suitable for cultivation in Cambodia, as well as the related green cultivation techniques. Prof. Chen Zhide, director of JAAS Peanut Innovation Team, released the latest research results on the selection and breeding of high-quality peanut varieties, molecular biology research on resistance and high yield characteristics, and the development of functional food. The chief of the insect innovation team, Dr. Liao Huaijian, analyzed the potential of edible insect resources to address future food and resource crises. He stressed the importance role of insect proteins in carbon neutrality.  Dr. Tang Ling introduced the research progress of agricultural landscape innovation team.

The symposium helps to promote the development of interdisciplinary researches in JAAS and strengthens the ties between JAAS and international partners.