China Meetings and Events
On November 24 Gary and Katy travelled to Beijing, China for a series of meetings and events leading up to the International Grain Trade Coalition (IGTC) 2018 General Assembly of Members.
Meetings with NAEGA member representatives and the U.S. Embassy USDA staff on Monday 26 focused on how China’s grain and oilseed import requirements related to plant breeding and other technologies can be met. On Tuesday November 27, the China National Association of Grain Sectors (CNAGS) and the International Grain Trade Coalition (IGTC) co-hosted a World Grain Trade Forum in Beijing. The opening ceremony was led by CNAGS President Patrick Xu, IGTC President Gary C. Martin, and China’s Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs. The Forum included formal comments and presentations from the World Trade Organization (WTO), the International Grains Council (IGC), the China National Grain and Oils Information Center, the Dalian Commodity Exchange and commodity specific analysis from international experts. On Wednesday November 28 CNAGS hosted the IGTC General Assembly at which IGTC officers were elected. The newly elected officer of IGTC are:
- President: Gary C. Martin,
- Vice President: Iliana Axiotiades, Secretary General, COCERAL
- Treasurer: Gerald Masila, Executive Director, Eastern Africa Grain Council (EAGC)
- Secretary: Pat O’Shannassy, CEO, Grain Trade Australia (GTA).
A complete trip report will soon be available