China's agriculture has made remarkable progress, but also faces substantial difficulties and challenges and thus it is important to develop modern agriculture with Chinese characteristics and achieve sustainable development in agriculture, Chinese Vice Premier Hui Liangyu said Monday.

Vice Premier Hui Liangyu (1st L) speaks at the opening ceremony of the 27th Conference of the International Association of Agricultural Economists in Beijing, Aug. 17, 2009. (Xinhua/Ding Lin)?

Speaking at the opening ceremony of the 27th International Conference of Agricultural Economists, Hui said the conference should serve as a bridge and help global agricultural economists cooperate in studying opportunities and challenges in global agriculture.

Hui said China has successfully tackled the problem of feeding the country's population of 1.3 billion about 30 years after its reform and opening up, people are enjoying improved nutrition and health levels and the rural areas have changed in various aspects.

The achievements in Chinese agriculture and rural areas not only underpin China's economic and social growth, but also contribute to safeguarding global food security, promoting poverty fighting progress and boosting sustainable development, he said.

In the new situation, China will further strengthen rural system construction, develop modern agriculture, promote rural public causes and push forward new countryside construction, Hui said.

Global modern agriculture faces big opportunities and severe challenges as well, Hui said.

Pressure is mounting to ensure food safety worldwide, especially effective food supply for developing countries, as global population has been snowballing and more agricultural products are being turned into energy, Hui said.

It is the world's common task and the great mission for agricultural economists to promote agricultural sustainable development, Hui said.

This year marks the 80th anniversary of the International Association of Agricultural Economists (IAAE), which holds a conference every three years.

The 27th conference this year is jointly held by the IAAE and the Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences and has attracted about 1,000 participants from 70 countries, regions and international organizations.

(Xinhua News Agency August 18, 2009)