Shouguang, a vegetable production powerhouse in eastern China, is taking its agricultural expertise global with a groundbreaking initiative in the United Arab Emirates. The city is set to establish a sprawling 100,000-square-meter smart agriculture center in the UAE, marking a significant step in transferring China’s advanced farming technologies to the arid landscapes of the Middle East.
This ambitious project is the result of a recent agreement between the UAE’s agritech leader, Silal, and the Shouguang Vegetable Industry Group. The two entities have committed to a joint investment of $32.7 million, as reported by the state agency Xinhua. The collaboration is a testament to China’s broader strategy of sharing agricultural expertise with countries involved in the Belt and Road Initiative, emphasizing infrastructure-driven connectivity.
The upcoming facility is poised to be a marvel of modern agriculture, integrating cutting-edge technologies such as artificial intelligence and robotics. These innovations will streamline and enhance various processes, including seeding, climate regulation, irrigation, and harvesting. The center will cultivate more than 10 crop varieties, ranging from tomatoes and cucumbers to melons and strawberries, according to Xinhua.
Yang Ming, founder of the Shouguang Vegetable Industry Group, expressed enthusiasm about the project, stating, “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.” This sentiment underscores the potential for the initiative to revolutionize agricultural practices in challenging environments.
Saleem al-Ameri, CEO of Silal, echoed this optimism, highlighting that the project will serve as a prototype for agricultural innovation across the Persian Gulf. The goal is to establish a sustainable and scalable model for regional agriculture development, setting a new standard for farming in arid conditions.
The center will import specialized greenhouse systems from Shouguang, tailored specifically for the UAE’s environmental conditions. These systems will include smart photovoltaic greenhouses, film-connected structures, and large-span solar facilities. Additionally, the site will feature an AI lab, technology testing zones, and a cold chain logistics center, creating a comprehensive agricultural network from production to export.
This deal is part of a larger trend in China’s agricultural trade. Recent data has shown a notable increase in exports of pesticides and machinery to Belt and Road countries, indicating China’s growing influence in international agriculture. Shouguang’s global expansion is also reflected in the digital realm, with enterprises like Shandong Lisente Agricultural Technology establishing operations in several countries.
According to data from the General Administration of Customs, this expansion aligns with China’s ambition to become a global leader in agriculture, keeping pace with technological advancements. Chinese Agriculture Minister Han Jun has emphasized the country’s transition towards self-reliant innovation in frontier disciplines as crucial for the future of global agritech. These advancements include areas like gene editing and synthetic biology, further solidifying China’s position at the forefront of agricultural innovation.
The implications of this initiative are far-reaching. By introducing advanced farming technologies to the UAE, China is not only expanding its agricultural influence but also contributing to the development of sustainable farming practices in arid regions. This project has the potential to transform the agricultural landscape of the Middle East, setting a new benchmark for innovation and efficiency in challenging climates.