For years there has been an exchange between Chinese and Dutch greenhouse horticulture in terms of knowledge and high-tech innovations. This cooperation will be intensified in the coming years through the development of no fewer than four knowledge and innovation centers along the lines of the World Horti Center. On May 9, Greenport Food & Flower Xperience (GFFX), one of the initiators of the World Horti Center, signed the strategic agreement with TUS Holdings from Beijing. From June, parties will search for the most suitable locations for the centers, and the plan is to further develop the knowledge and innovation centers in the coming years.
The concept of the World Horti Center, in which research, education, entrepreneurship and government innovate, connect, create and inspire together, can be called a success after just one year. In the first year of existence, the center received more than 40,000 visitors from more than 57 countries.
Mark Zwinkels, project director: "With the World Horti Centers to be developed in China, we are bridging the gap between Dutch greenhouse horticulture and China's extensive expertise in technology and market potential over there. With our partners in education and research - Lentiz and Demokwekerij Westland - and the companies based in the World Horti Center, we can intensify knowledge exchange and business development. This is an important step in the further internationalization of the World Horti Center."
TUS-Holdings has its origins at the large Tsinghua University in Beijing. Over the past 20 years, the company has grown to become one of the biggest developers and operators of knowledge and technology parks in China. In addition, the company participates in hundreds of companies in and outside China, including in horticulture.
Source: World Horti Center