BEIJING -- China, Latin American and Caribbean countries will look to eliminate trade barriers as they look to boost agricultural cooperation, a joint statement said Sunday.

Efforts will also be made to simplify trade procedures, according to a statement from the China-Latin America and the Caribbean Agricultural Ministers' Forum, which was held in Beijing.

The sides will work together to set up agricultural research and development centers and demonstration projects for food production and processing, the statement said.

China, Latin American and Caribbean countries will jointly hold agricultural fairs and expos to promote bilateral trade.