To exchange South-South and Triangular Cooperation (SSTC) experiences in poverty reduction and rural development, and showcase the IFAD Rural Solutions Portal and the SSTC Partners Database, IPRCC together with IFAD held a virtual workshop on 21 June 2021, themed on facilitating innovation and technology for rural development through SSTC, as the side event of the 15th ASEAN–China Forum on Social Development and Poverty Reduction. 91 participants from governmental agencies of China and ASEAN countries, research institutes, enterprises, bilateral and multi-lateral development agencies and NGOs attended the event.

Mr. Zhou Qiangwu, Deputy Director General from the Department of International Economic and Financial Cooperation, Ministry of Finance, delivered the keynote speech. Mr. Ron Hartman, Director of the Global Engagement, Partnership and Resource Mobilization Division, IFAD, and Dr. Tan Weiping, Deputy Director General of IPRCC, delivered opening remarks. Representatives from Anhui Jianghuai Horticulture Seeds Co., Ltd, Chinese Academy of Topical Agricultural Sciences, China National Engineering Research Centre of Juncao Technology, Foreign Economic Cooperation Center of the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs were invited to share their experience in SSTC. Representatives also discussed opportunities and challenges in SSTC, especially how technical innovations can address challenges posed by COVID-19 pandemic, and the role of international organizations in promoting SSTC.

After an introduction of the IFAD Rural Solutions Portal and the SSTC Partners Database by IFAD, Mr. Zhou Qiangwu, Dr. Tan Weiping and IFAD Chief Partnership Officer Ms. Wang Wei together launched the database.

Ms. Wang Wei and Dr. Tan Weiping delivered closing remarks respectively by sharing prospects of further promoting SSTC. Mr. Lu Liqun, Director of the IPRCC Cooperation Division, hosted the meeting.