From April 13 to 20, Professor Surendra Prasad, Dean of the School of Agriculture, Geography, Environment, Ocean, and Natural Sciences (SAGEONS) at the University of the South Pacific (USP), led a delegation to visit the Jiangsu Academy of Agricultural Sciences (JAAS). The visit was made at the invitation of the China-Pacific Island Countries Agricultural Cooperation and Demonstration Center (CPIAC). Vice President Chen Xin hosted the reception, attended by representatives from the Institute of Food Crops, Institute of Industrial Crops, Institute of Vegetable Crops, Institute of Agricultural Resources and Environment, Institute of Agro-product Processing, and Institute of Pomology.

Vice President Chen welcomed the delegation and provided an overview of JAAS's history, organizational structure, team development, and scientific innovation. He highlighted the previous visit by JAAS to USP, which focused on germplasm resource exchanges, technical support, international cooperation projects, and talent development. He expressed his sincere hope that this visit would deepen the relationship between both institutions and enhance collaborative potential, including the establishment of a joint laboratory, cultivating talent jointly, and cooperating on research projects. During the reception, a representative from the Department of International Cooperation detailed the international efforts at JAAS, along with the current status and future plans of CPIAC.

Professor Prasad commended the achievements of JAAS and CPIAC, and shared insights into the history, staff, and organizational structure of both USP and SAGEONS. He emphasized their diverse and international nature, expressing eagerness for joint research initiatives and personnel exchanges to bolster their academic influence in agriculture and support the agricultural development of Pacific Island countries.

The visit concluded with the signing of an agreement to establish a joint laboratory, marking a significant advancement in the partnership between JAAS and SAGEONS. During the visit, the delegation toured various facilities, including the National Peach and Strawberry Germplasm Resources Garden, the Agro-Product Processing Innovation Harbor, Lishui Base, Tongshan Base of Jiangsu Hilly Area Nanjing Institute of Agricultural Sciences, and Taizhou Institute of Agricultural Sciences. The delegation engaged in productive discussions with experts from various institutes of JAAS, reaching consensus on further collaborative efforts.