(SCO Tianjin Summit)"Laowai" in China | Pakistani expert sows seeds of cross-border agricultural cooperation

SANYA, Aug. 26 (Xinhua) -- Waseem Raza, a 45-year-old Pakistani, works as an associate researcher at the Chinese Academy of Tropical Agricultural Sciences (CATAS). He pursued a doctoral degree at Nanjing Agricultural University and joined the university as a faculty member after graduation. This year, he was recruited by the CATAS Sanya Research Institute through a high-level talent program, embarking on a new career in Sanya of south China's Hainan Province.

Waseem researches soil ecology, soil microbiology, and the interaction mechanisms between plants and soil microorganisms, with a focus on the prevention and control of banana Fusarium wilt. To him, CATAS boasts advanced technology and rich experience in banana research, highlighted by its cultivation of Fusarium wilt-resistant varieties and bio-organic fertilizer R&D.

Bananas are a key crop in Pakistan, which is also troubled by diseases like banana Fusarium wilt. Waseem believes China and Pakistan have a solid foundation for agricultural cooperation and share a broad potential for collaboration in banana cultivation and disease control.

"I'm studying bacterial volatile organic compounds (VOCs), which can promote plant growth and inhibit pathogens," Waseem said, adding that he has completed technical research in the lab and plans to roll it out to the field in the near future.

Waseem has been in China for over 20 years and decided to stay in Sanya, as it has well-equipped laboratories that can meet scientific research needs, as well as its beautiful environment and sound climate conditions. "I hope to do in-depth research and make more scientific research achievements," he said.