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Dakar, April 27, 2021 - The Commissioner for Agriculture, Environment, Natural Resources and Water of the Economic Community of Central African States (ECCAS) has invited CORAF to help Central African states strengthen their agricultural research capacities.

His Excellency Mr. Honoré Tabuna was speaking on Tuesday, April 27, 2021, at the opening ceremony of the CORAF Virtual Business Meeting of the ^13th Ordinary Session of the CORAF General Assembly.

" I would like to ask CORAF to increase its involvement in Central Africa and to continue to support our national agricultural research systems, particularly in building the capacity of those involved in the agricultural sector," said Commissioner Tabuna.

CORAF works with the national agricultural systems of 23 West and Central African states. It has recently taken steps to strengthen its presence in Central Africa.

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"The proposal to increase CORAF's activities in Central Africa is certainly a welcome one, as it is right in line with our wishes," said the senior ECCAS official. Travel restrictions linked to COVID-19 meant that CORAF split the holding of its ^13th Ordinary Session of its General Assembly into two parts. Following this virtual business meeting, a face-to-face component is scheduled to take place in the Chadian capital in January 2022.

"The fact that the second part of the ^13th Ordinary Session of the CORAF General Assembly is being held in N'Djaména is also a sign of CORAF's determination to increase its presence and visibility in Central Africa, in order to take better account of the region's needs," says Commissioner Tabuna.

CORAF is a technical partner of CEEAC. As such, CORAF supports ECCAS in the implementation of its common agricultural policy, particularly in terms of research and development. ECCAS has recently undertaken its own reforms. Agriculture is now a key priority for the Commission, especially as the region seeks to diversify its economies.

The Commissioner informed stakeholders at the CORAF General Assembly that agriculture has been integrated into the "Medium-Term Indicative Strategic Plan 2021-2025 and Priority Action Plan 2021 of the Commission for the Environment, Natural Resources, Agriculture and Rural Development." The Commissioner stated that research is needed to implement the fourth strand of this new plan, which aims to significantly and sustainably increase the production, productivity and competitiveness of agroforestry and fisheries value chains, and their access to regional, continental and international markets.

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• CORAF and ECCAS strengthen their collaboration in agricultural research