For TFNet to operate globally, it needs to expand its network. Some of the networks that need to be established are the South American and Caribbean Network and the African Network. Another network expansion initiative specified in the TFNet Strategic Plan is to establish a regional office in China.
With the goal of membership expansion, project implementation and organizing of events and activities in the region, a TFNet office was established through a memorandum signed between TFNet and the Guangdong Academy of Agricultural Sciences in Guangzhou, Peoples’ Republic of China, on 8 November 2009.
TFNet was represented by its’, the CEO, Mr. Yacob Ahmad, while the Guangdong Academy of Agricultural Sciences was represented by its’ President Dr. Jiang Zongyong. The signing of the memorandum was witness by Dr. Jin Xiaoming, Director General of International Cooperation Department, Ministry of Science and Technology, People’s Republic of China.
The scope and function of the TFNet office in China are:
1. That the office will assist in encouraging companies and individuals from the region to join TFNet
2. To provide data and information on the marketing and trade of tropical and subtropical fruits around the region to TFNet
3. To assist TFNet in organizing capacity building activities and events related to tropical and subtropical fruits including workshops, seminars, conferences, study tours and exhibitions
4. To provide technical expertise in consultancy activities of TFNet
5. To coordinate activities with TFNet in the implementation of projects in the region
The Guangdong Academy of Agricultural Sciences has also agreed to provide an office space with personnel for TFNet operations in China. It was also agreed that a Technical Officer from China will be assigned to the TFNet headquarters in Malaysia periodically, and likewise an Officer from the TFNet headquarters can also be assigned on a short term basis in the Regional Office in China, whenever the need arises.
The TFNet office in Guangzhou will be staffed by Mr. Xinjian Chen, Dr. Yan Jin and Mr. Daoming Chen. The officers will also periodically be based on short term assignments at the TFNet headquarters in Malaysia.
TFNet CEO, Yacob Ahmad delivering his welcoming address. Dr. Jin Xioming, Director General, International Cooperation, Ministry of Science of Technology China and Dr. Jiang Zongyong, President of GAAS are third and second from right respectively.
