GWANGJU < invest Korea

According to Yonhap News,

(GWANGJU=Yonhap News) Organizers of the 2014 International Congress on Irrigation and Drainage (ICID), slated to open in South Korea's southwestern city of Gwangju next month, reviewed their preparations Tuesday for a meeting that will bring together some 1,200 participants to discuss world-affecting issues on water, environment and food.

The ICID, the 22nd of its kind, opens at the Kimdaejung Convention on Sept. 14-20 under the theme "Securing Water for Food and Rural Community under Climate Change." It is co-sponsored by South Korea's Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs and the Korea Rural Community Corporation. Lee Sang-mu, president and CEO of the corporation, and his predecessor Park Jae-soon are joint chairmen of the organizing committee.

ICID has 96 member states around the world plus more than 50 international organizations, including the U.N. Development Program and the World Meteorological Organization. It is recognized as the biggest international agricultural forum that addresses and seeks solutions on issues related to water, farming, environment and food supply.

The Gwangju congress is expected to have participants from more than 60 nations.

Key programs this year cover academic and technology sessions, executive committee and subcommittee meetings to deal with agricultural development and operational decisions for the ICID, and promotions and exhibitions on the farm irrigation and climate-environment industries. On-site tours of agricultural facilities have also been included.

A round table among developing countries and a special session for agriculture ministers of participating nations are expected to be the highlight events that promote a global network for South Korea's exports of farming technologies.

"The Gwangju ICID will receive the world's attention," the organizing committee said. "We will make a full input through thorough preparations to make it a successful international event."

ejkim@yna.co.kr

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