International Trade in Genetically Modified Agricultural Products and Governmental Management: Strategic Choices, Policy Design, and Rule Development

Author: Ma Shuzhong
Publisher:
Publish Date: 2003-06-01
Features: In this cutting-edge field of international trade in genetically modified agricultural products, Dr. Ma Shuzhong has made bold and arduous explorations and achieved considerable results. However, due to the complexity of the issue, this monograph, based on his doctoral dissertation, will undoubtedly still have many aspects that need improvement or even deserve further discussion. Therefore, I hope he does not become complacent with his achievements but continues to strive for progress, upholding the fine qualities of diligence, pragmatism, and humility. With the publication of this monograph as a catalyst, I hope he will achieve even more fruitful results in his future teaching and research, benefiting his peers. At the same time, as his supervisor, I also hope more experts and scholars will participate in the research and discussion on international trade in genetically modified agricultural products. This is one of the reasons I recommend this monograph to the readers.
As a developing agricultural nation, China's grain and agricultural policies once played a vital role in the nation's economy and foundation. The relatively limited arable land and over-reliance on the experiences of the former Soviet Union led China to consistently prioritize self-sufficiency in grain production as a fundamental goal of agricultural development. In this context, China's domestically produced crops not only met domestic consumption needs but could even be exported to other countries. However, with the continuous expansion of opening-up, a large volume of agricultural products from abroad flooded the Chinese market. Taking soybeans as an example, from 1995 to 2000, in just five years, China transformed from a net soybean exporter to the world's largest importer. Faced with cheap soybeans from the United States, Brazil, and Argentina, Chinese soybean farmers had no choice but to adjust their prices accordingly. Nevertheless, no matter how they adjusted, the quality of domestic soybeans could not compete with the high-oil-content imported genetically modified varieties. The plight of domestic soybeans became an objective reality before us.
It should be said that, in terms of current realities, managing international trade in genetically modified agricultural products is a common practice for many countries in the world, and China is no exception. The key question is how to manage it effectively.