On the sidelines of the Fifth Session of the International Dates Council Members’ Council Meeting held in Riyadh, the International Dates Council (IDC) signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the Chinese Academy of Tropical Agricultural Sciences (CATAS) to advance agricultural research, strengthen laboratory capabilities, enhance product quality, and support training programs and knowledge transfer among member states.

As part of this cooperation, the Council presented a number of date palm offshoots to the Chinese Academy in furtherance of the strategic partnership between the two organizations, aimed at fostering innovation and facilitating the exchange of expertise in the date palm and dates sector at the international level.

The Council noted that the presentation of date palm offshoots to CATAS represents a significant initiative with scientific, diplomatic, and public outreach dimensions. It reflects the International Dates Council’s position as a leading international organization headquartered in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and contributes to expanding international cooperation in agriculture and agricultural innovation.

The Council further stated that the implementation of this initiative will be carried out in coordination with the Kingdom’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs and with the participation of the Embassy of the People’s Republic of China, reflecting the role of both the Kingdom and the Council in supporting international partnerships and strengthening cooperation in the date palm and dates sector.

The Council also emphasized that this step paves the way for enhanced collaboration with the People’s Republic of China and supports efforts to invite China to join the International Dates Council as an Associate Member, thereby strengthening its participation in international initiatives aimed at developing this vital sector.