Belt and Road Seminar on Fruit Processing Ends in Beijing"Participants Commend China’s Hospitality, Innovation and Commitment to International Cooperation"

By Aviashima Toom, abuja

The two-week Seminar on Fruit Processing and Comprehensive Utilisation for Belt and Road Countries has ended in Beijing, China, with participants from nine countries commending the organisers for the knowledge, hospitality and international relationships fostered during the programme.

The seminar, held from August 4 to 17, 2026, brought together participants from Jordan, Uzbekistan, Pakistan, Nigeria, Tanzania, Antigua and Barbuda, Costa Rica, Thailand and Bangladesh for intensive learning and practical exposure to modern fruit processing and comprehensive utilisation.

Speaking on behalf of the participants at the closing ceremony, Mr Odita Sunday-Udemaguna described the programme as a “truly remarkable two-week journey,” noting that participants arrived in Beijing as strangers but were leaving as colleagues, friends and ambassadors of a shared experience.

He expressed appreciation to the China National Research Institute of Food & Fermentation Industries Corporation for organising the seminar, particularly the Director of the Department of International Cooperation, Mr Peng Hao, and his deputy, Mrs Guo Chen, for their leadership and hospitality.

According to him, the academic sessions provided participants with valuable knowledge that would be useful in their respective countries and professional fields.

“The depth of knowledge shared with us on fruit processing and comprehensive utilisation will remain an invaluable resource as we return to apply these lessons in our various fields and countries,” he said.

Sunday-Udemaguna also commended the Chinese hosts for the quality of accommodation and hospitality provided throughout the programme, saying participants were treated not merely as visitors but as honoured guests.

He particularly praised the group supervisors—Xipo Wang (Vincent), Ruixi Wang (Cecillia), Yuhan Wang (Nancy), and Yuan Sheng Guan (Guan)—for their professionalism, accessibility and commitment to ensuring the success of the programme.

He noted that the supervisors also instilled a strong culture of punctuality and time consciousness among participants, describing the experience as an important lesson that could be replicated in their respective institutions and countries.

The speaker further acknowledged the contributions of the various country group leaders to the successful completion of the training.

Study Tours Highlight Chinese Innovation

Beyond classroom learning, participants undertook study tours to several food and agricultural enterprises and cultural sites, including Damin Food Company Limited in Zhangzhou, Fujian Zishan Group Company Limited, Tianfu Tea Culture Industrial Park, Fujian Lixing Food Company Limited and the Ten Fu Tea Museum.

Sunday-Udemaguna said the visits provided participants with first-hand exposure to Chinese innovation, industrial organisation and food-processing practices.

He described the study tours as “nothing short of an eye-opener,” adding that they offered practical lessons that complemented the theoretical knowledge acquired during the seminar.

A major highlight of the programme was the participants’ visit to the Great Wall of China, which Sunday-Udemaguna described as a powerful symbol of vision, resilience, unity and sustained development.

He said the monument offered an important lesson for developing nations, particularly the need for patience, discipline and consistency in building sustainable national development.

Strengthening Belt and Road Relationships

The Nigerian representative said one of the most valuable outcomes of the seminar was the opportunity for participants from different continents to develop professional and personal relationships.

According to him, the diversity of the class reflected the spirit of the Belt and Road cooperation, with nine countries represented in one classroom and united by a common objective.

He expressed confidence that the friendships and professional networks established during the programme would continue beyond the seminar and contribute to stronger cooperation among the participating countries.

As the participants prepared to return home, Sunday-Udemaguna said they were leaving Beijing with more than technical knowledge.

“We do so enriched, not only with technical knowledge on fruit processing and comprehensive utilisation, but with friendships that span continents and a renewed appreciation for what is possible when nations come together in the true spirit of cooperation,” he said.

He concluded by expressing gratitude to the Chinese government, the organisers, facilitators, supervisors and fellow participants for making the seminar a memorable experience.

“This seminar may be coming to a close, but the relationships we have built and the lessons we have learned will continue to bear fruit, quite literally, for many years to come,” he said.

The closing ceremony ended with the participants expressing appreciation to their Chinese hosts and exchanging wishes for continued cooperation among the nine participating countries.