Dubai - Agriculture Minister Jože Podgoršek took part in a debate discussing efforts to tackle global challenges related to smart villages, which was held as part of the Expo 2020 in Dubai on Monday. Countryside digitalisation is one of the priorities of the new common agricultural policy, he said according to the Agriculture Ministry.

Podgoršek noted areas that improve the quality of life in the countryside, says a press release. "The quality of life in rural areas is linked to efforts for preserving the agricultural cultural landscape and natural heritage with an appropriate level of digitalisation, mobility, access to public services and job creation," the minister said.

He pointed out that new technologies would facilitate efforts to improve production processes and produce cheaper food of higher quality. "Smart villages are therefore seen as communities in the countryside that use innovative solutions to improve their resilience, building on local advantages and opportunities," he said.

MEP Franc Bogovič told the debate that smart villages were people, adding that new technologies and innovations should not be feared. He also noted the importance of making a change to incorporate sustainability and smart technologies in everyday lives.

European Commission Vice President Dubravka Šuica, responsible for a long-term vision for rural areas, said that innovations, technology and digital solutions could truly make villages smart and improve the lives of their inhabitants.

The debate was held by the Bogovič's office and the SPIRIT Slovenija investment promotion agency as part of Slovenia's programme at the Expo show.

During his two-day visit to Dubai, Podgoršek visited the Slovenian Expo pavilion as well as others. At Myanmar's pavilion he met representatives of the International Association of Horticultural Producers. While visiting Serbia's pavilion, he met the country's Minister of Construction, Transport and Infrastructure Tomislav Momirović, the press release says.