China-Uruguay Belt and Road Joint Laboratory on Soybean Research and Innovation

The China-Uruguay Belt and Road Joint Laboratory on Soybean Research and Innovation was approved for establishment by the Ministry of Science and Technology of China in August 2021. It was jointly proposed by the Institute of Crop Sciences of the Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, along with 10 leading Chinese research institutions, and the National Agricultural Research Institute of Uruguay (INIA). The joint laboratory focuses on addressing the industrial needs and productivity enhancement of soybean sectors in both countries. It strengthens cooperation in areas such as soybean germplasm exchange and innovation, safety assessment and industrial application of transgenic soybeans, and the development of high-quality edible soybean varieties. By advancing scientific and technological collaboration in soybeans between China and Uruguay, the laboratory aims to support the sustainable development of the soybean industry in both nations and promote comprehensive partnerships in research, production, trade, and other fields.

By June 2025, the laboratory has facilitated collaboration in soybean resource identification, germplasm innovation, and transgenic biosecurity assessment. Exchange activities included 41 mutual visits and 184 participations in scientific and technological exchanges. For the first time, 50 soybean germplasm resources were introduced from Uruguay. Among these, three stable high-oil accessions were identified, and 206 high-oil lines along with 56 high-protein lines were developed. Additionally, one joint SCI paper was published, one transgenic event received cultivation approval in Uruguay, and two transgenic events entered the field trial stage for biosafety assessment in Uruguay. In November 2023, the achievements of this collaboration were highlighted in the Joint Statement between the People’s Republic of China and the Oriental Republic of Uruguay.