Senior officials from China and India agreed Tuesday to enhance cooperation to boost the agricultural industry.

In a meeting with Sharad Pawar, Indian minister of agriculture, food and civil supplies, consumer affairs and public distribution, and his party, Vice Premier Hui Liangyu suggested the two countries share experience in agriculture and cooperate to research new agricultural technology.

Hui said both China and India are agricultural countries and the cooperation between them will not only benefit their people but also help secure global food safety.

Hui also suggested the two sides enhance exchanges between their administrative and technical staff.

Hui's suggestion was echoed by Pawar, who said India is ready to actively promote agricultural exchanges with China.

According to the Foreign Ministry, Premier Wen Jiabao will visit India in the weeks ahead.

Pawar and his party are currently in Beijing at the invitation of the Ministry of Agriculture.

(Xinhua News Agency March 30, 2005)