Core Viewpoint - The Minister of Agriculture and Food Security of the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) expressed the intention to deepen cooperation with China in the agricultural sector, aiming to enhance food self-sufficiency in the DRC [1] Group 1: Agricultural Cooperation - The DRC Minister highlighted the importance of accelerating the transfer of advanced agricultural technologies from China [1] - A delegation led by the Minister conducted a special research visit to a Chinese-aided agricultural technology demonstration center in the DRC [1] - The Minister praised the results of hybrid breeding experiments for maize and drought-resistant rice conducted by the Chinese side [1] Group 2: Research and Development - The Minister inspected various agricultural trial areas, including vegetable trial bases, drought-resistant grain trial zones, maize demonstration areas, and feed processing workshops [1] - The Minister invited Chinese experts to visit major grain-producing areas in the DRC to promote new varieties and technologies for crops such as maize, drought-resistant rice, and soybeans [1]

Core Viewpoint - Japan is experiencing a significant price increase in various consumer goods, with 2,105 items set to rise in price in July, marking a fivefold increase compared to the same period last year [1][3]. Price Increase Details - The majority of the price hikes are in seasonings, with 1,445 items affected, followed by beverages like coffee (206 items), snacks such as chocolate and gum (196 items), and processed foods like packaged rice (117 items) [5]. - The primary reasons for these price increases are rising raw material costs and increased production costs due to higher energy prices [9]. Historical Context - Japan began experiencing price increases in 2022, breaking a 40-year trend of stable prices, influenced by global instability, yen depreciation, and rising costs of electricity and grains [11]. - The price index for various food items has significantly increased from 1994 to 2023, with items like chicken eggs rising by approximately 92% and pork by about 65% [12]. Food Supply and Import Dependency - Japan's food self-sufficiency rate is low at 38%, the lowest among G7 countries, meaning 62% of its food supply relies on imports, which becomes more expensive with yen depreciation [17]. - In 2024, Japan is expected to face rice shortages, with rice prices in the Tokyo market increasing by 93.2% year-on-year [13]. Wage Trends - Despite rising prices, many large companies have increased starting salaries for new graduates significantly, sometimes exceeding the salaries of employees with ten years of experience [19].