Shouguang, a city in eastern China renowned for its vegetable production, is taking a significant step towards global agricultural innovation. The city is establishing a 100,000-square-meter smart agriculture center in the United Arab Emirates (UAE), aiming to transfer China’s advanced farming technologies to the arid landscapes of the Middle East. This initiative is part of a recent agreement between UAE’s agritech leader, Silal, and Shouguang Vegetable Industry Group, with a joint investment of $32.7 million, as reported by state agency Xinhua.
The collaboration is a key component of China’s broader strategy to share agricultural expertise with Belt and Road Initiative participants, emphasizing infrastructure-driven connectivity efforts led by Beijing. The facility will integrate cutting-edge technologies, including artificial intelligence and robotics, to enhance various farming processes such as seeding, climate regulation, irrigation, and harvesting. Over 10 crop varieties, including tomatoes, cucumbers, melons, and strawberries, will be cultivated at this site, according to Xinhua.
“Abu Dhabi, as a frontier for agricultural technology innovation, offers a visionary platform and a real-world test bed for deploying advanced systems in extreme climates,” stated Yang Ming, founder of Shouguang Vegetable Industry Group. Saleem al-Ameri, CEO of Silal, highlighted that the initiative will serve as a prototype for agricultural innovation throughout the Persian Gulf, establishing a sustainable and scalable model for regional agriculture development.
The site will import specialized greenhouse systems from Shouguang, specifically adapted for the UAE’s environmental conditions. These systems will include smart photovoltaic greenhouses, film-connected structures, and large-span solar facilities. Additionally, an AI lab, technology testing zones, and a cold chain logistics center will form part of the supporting infrastructure, creating a comprehensive agricultural network from production to export.
This deal aligns with current trends in China’s agricultural trade. Recent figures show notable growth in exports of pesticides and machinery to Belt and Road countries, indicating an increase in China’s influence in international agriculture. Shouguang is expanding its digital reach globally, with enterprises like Shandong Lisente Agricultural Technology establishing operations in several countries. According to General Administration of Customs data, this expansion reflects China’s aim of global agricultural leadership, keeping pace with technological progress.
Agriculture Minister Han Jun emphasized China’s transition towards self-reliant innovation in frontier disciplines as pivotal for the future of global agritech. These advancements include areas like gene editing and synthetic biology, positioning China at the forefront of agricultural technology.