From April 11 to 15, 2018,Prof. Petra Hellegers, associate professor Henk Ritzema, tutors of Wageningen University(WUR) in Netherlands and the Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences(CAAS) joint doctoral program, the chief expert of the water resources management team of WUR have successfully completed the schedule of the visit to FIRI. Professor Huang Xiuqiao, the director of FIRI and the tutor of the joint doctoral training program of CAAS and WUR, received the visitors. Professor Qi Xuebin, the deputy director of FIRI, associate professor Bai Xiaojun, the tutor of the joint doctoral program of Wageningen University in the Netherlands, and the leaders and members of the relevant scientific and technological innovation team of FIRI participated in the reception.

During the visit of Dutch experts, Director Huang Xiuqiao hosted a bilateral cooperation meeting. As a representative of FIRI, Professor Li Jinshan gave a relevant report and introduced the general situation of FIRI and the research carried out by each innovative team. Prof. Hellefers also made corresponding reports and briefings on behalf of her team. Both sides had in-depth discussions on cooperation areas, cooperation methods, cooperation deadlines and other cooperation intentions, drafted a letter of intent on cooperation and reached a consensus on cooperation.

Accompanied by associate professor Bai Xiaojun, Sun Xiulu and Chen Zhen of FIRI, two Dutch experts visited the Qiliying Comprehensive Experimental Base of the Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences and the People's Victory Canal Irrigation District of Henan Province and respectively investigated surface irrigation experiment, translation sprinkler irrigation experiment, field drip irrigation and greenhouse drip irrigation experiment, irrigation district irrigation test station, irrigation district water-transfer and distribution works, irrigation district exhibition hall and other facilities, and had interviews with researchers of the experiment base, irrigation district management personnel and irrigation district farmers. In addition, two Dutch experts also gave a wonderful academic report on the "Irrigation Forum" held by the Youth Working Committee of FIRI, and had in-depth academic exchanges with the scientific researchers of our institute.

The visit of two Dutch experts to FIRI has strengthened the mutual exchanges of the agricultural scientific research and educational institutions between China and the Netherlands, broadened the channels for mutual cooperation and promoted the further deepening of bilateral international cooperation. As Director Huang Xiuqiao of FIRI concluded, “The Netherlands is a powerful country in water conservancy and has rich research experience in water resources utilization and management. As a national-level scientific research institution specializing in irrigation and drainage technology, our institute can provide strong support for bilateral cooperation. With our country’s vigorous implementation of the ‘Rural Revitalization’ strategy, both sides can have a broader prospect of cooperation.”