---Entrusted by the National International Development Cooperation Agency and the Ministry of Commerce of the People's Republic of China, organized by the National Research Institute for Rural Electrification, MWR, P. R. China / Hangzhou Regional Center (Asia-Pacific) for Small Hydro Power (HRC), and co-organized by the China Irrigation and Drainage Development Center (CIDDC), the Seminar on Irrigation District Construction and Management for Belt and Road Countries and Seminar on Water-Saving Irrigation and Modern Irrigation District Construction and Management for Timor-Leste were held successfully in Hangzhou from September 9th to September 22nd, 2025. These are the 185th and 186th international training/seminar programs implemented by HRC. 42 officials and technicians from Cambodia, Ethiopia, Ghana, Jordan, Nepal, Papua New Guinea, Sierra Leone, and Timor-Leste attended these seminars.
These seminars are concrete steps in implementing the spirit of the talks between President Xi Jinping of China and President José Ramos-Horta of Timor-Leste in July 2024, as well as the important consensus reached among China and other Belt and Road countries. The seminars aim to promote technical exchanges and practical cooperation with Belt and Road countries by sharing China's advanced experience in the construction and management of irrigation districts.
At the opening ceremony, Mr. Xu Zhifeng, Director General of HRC, extended a warm welcome to all participants. Mr. Xu underscored that these seminars were designed to "facilitate in-depth exchanges, enable mutual learning, and jointly explore future pathways for irrigation district development and management". Two participants from Jordan and Timor-Leste also took the floor, expressing their strong desire to learn from China's expertise in irrigation technology and management, and their great appreciation for the timely launch of the program.
All presentations of seminars were closely tailored to the actual needs of the Belt and Road countries, and were delivered by experts and scholars from the Development Research Center of the State Council, Party School of Zhejiang Provincial Committee of C.P.C Zhejiang Institute of Administration, China Agricultural Water-saving & Rural Drinking Water Supply Technology Association, China Irrigation and Drainage Development Center, and International Commission on Irrigation and Drainage. The presentations covered many topics, including Overview of China, Xi Jinping's Thought on Economy, Irrigation District Renovation and Reform, Digital Twin Irrigation Districts, Water Measurement Technology, and Pumping Sstations, etc., systematically presenting China's successful practices in irrigation district construction and management.
During the seminars, participants took study tours to the Dujiangyan Irrigation System and the Dujiangyan Irrigation District Experimental Station in Sichuan Province, gaining first-hand experience of the remarkable wisdom behind the ancient hydraulic engineering and the innovative achievements in modern irrigation district management. The seminars also included cultural exchange activities, such as visits to Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding, China Tea Museum, Hefang Street, and the international football friendly match in Hangzhou. These activities enhanced the participants' understanding of Chinese culture and greatly enriched their stay in China.
Furthermore, participants shared their own practical experience in irrigation district construction and management, and engaged in in-depth discussions with Chinese experts on topics including common challenges and potential areas for future cooperation.
At the closing ceremony, Mr. Dong Dafu, Deputy Director General of HRC, highlighted that the seminars served as a concrete practice in promoting water resources cooperation under the Belt and Road Initiative and implementing the Global Development Initiative. He stated that China is willing to share its expertise in irrigation district modernization, smart water management, and water-saving technologies with partner countries to enhance their water resources management capacities and jointly address water security challenges. Mr. Kimseng On, a technical officer of the Ministry of Water Resources and Meteorology Department of Engineering of Cambodia, remarked, "This seminar has provided us with an in-depth understanding of China's advanced practices in irrigation district development and water-saving technologies. This knowledge will have a profound impact on promoting sustainable water resources development in our country". Mr. Julius Hallowell, the CFO of the Mano River Union, noted, "The field visits allowed us to witness firsthand the seamless integration of ancient Chinese hydraulic wisdom with modern technology. Upon returning home, we will actively promote the techniques we have learned, serving as advocates for water-saving irrigation and bridges for friendly cooperation with China". Mr. Agostinho Menezes, Chief of Department of Irrigation Technology of the National Directorate of Irrigation and Water Use Management, Ministry of Agriculture, Livestock, Fisheries and Forestry of Timor-Leste, expressed, "We look forward to the continuation of such seminars and hope to further strengthen cooperation with China in infrastructure development and capacity building, which will greatly contribute to Timor-Leste's national development".
These seminars have effectively fostered mutual learning and exchange in irrigation district development and management between China and other Belt and Road countries, laying a solid foundation for future cooperation in water resources management.
(2025-07-10)
Opening Ceremony
Presentation
Visit to the Dujiangyan Irrigation System
Visit to the Dujiangyan Irrigation District Experimental Station
Visit to Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding
Country Report
Closing Ceremony
Group Photos
