During the Third Ministerial Forum of the China-CELAC Agriculture Community, Víctor Villalobos, Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development, called for enhanced international cooperation among Latin American and Caribbean countries. He emphasized the need to address current global challenges and promote sustainable production and food security.

Villalobos underscored the imperative for Latin American and Caribbean nations to bolster international cooperation in tackling pressing global challenges, particularly amid political conflicts in Europe, the Middle East, and other regions impacting food production and supply chains. Moreover, he highlighted agriculture's escalating challenges, including climate change, water scarcity, ecosystem loss, and the depletion of natural and genetic resources, crucial for food production. "The application of more suitable instruments will ensure adequate food supply for a growing population, environmental conservation, and more equitable distribution of economic benefits among various producer groups and nations," stated Villalobos.

With projections indicating a global population of at least 9.5 billion by 2050, Villalobos emphasized the modern agricultural sector's responsibility to provide sufficient, high-quality, healthy, and nutritious food demanded by consumers worldwide. He advocated for the establishment of platforms for dialogue and collaboration among governmental institutions. "Innovation and technology are pivotal in achieving sustainable food security, a goal Mexico staunchly supports," Villalobos reiterated.

Regarding cooperation with China, he stressed the importance of ongoing efforts to enhance bilateral trade relations and achieve a more balanced commercial exchange. The Third Ministerial Forum represents a strategic opportunity to strengthen investment alliances with China in the agricultural sector, the minister concluded.