Introduction of FAO

FAO was established at its first Conference in October 1945, in Canada. It is the first international organization established after the Second World War. In 1946, FAO reached an agreement with the UN as a specialized agency under the UN system. Its membership totals 184 now.

The primary purposes of FAO are raising levels of nutrition and standards of living of the peoples under respective jurisdictions of FAO members; securing improvements in the efficiency of the production and distribution of all food and agricultural products; bettering the condition of rural populations; and thus contributing toward an expanding world economy and ensuring humanity's freedom from hunger.

China's relations with FAO

China is the founding member of FAO, and regained membership in 1973. China has been actively engaged in the activities of FAO and has conducted good cooperation with it. From 1978 till now, China has received USD30 million in grant technical assistance from the Technical Cooperative Programme and the Trust Fund of FAO, completed more than 100 agricultural programmes in China. In April 1990, the 20th Asia-Pacific Session of FAO was convened in Beijing, with the participation of 34 countries of the region. In Nov. 1996, the Chinese Delegation, headed by Premier Li Peng, attended the World Food Summit. Premier Li delivered a speech entitled "China Is an Important Force for the World Food Security". The Director -General of FAO has visited China several times. The present Director -General Mr. Jacques Diouf (from Senegal) visited China in 1995, 1997, 1998, 2000 and 2001. On 28 April 1998, Mr. Diouf presented the Agricola Medal, the highest distinction of FAO, to President Jiang Zemin, in recognition of his tireless and successful efforts to develop agriculture in China.