Tian Shihong, Vice Commissioner of State Administration for Market Regulation, also serving as Director of Standardization Administration; Chen Jie, Vice Mayor of Shanghai Municipal People’s Government; Zhang Ming, Secretary-General of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization; Zhang Zhongjun, Chargé d'affaires of Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations ; Zhang Min, Vice Governor of Henan Provincial People’s Government; and Ba Te Er, Executive Vice Governor of the Hainan Provincial People’s Governmentr, were among the Chinese and foreign dignitaries who attended the forum’s opening ceremony and delivered speeches. The opening ceremony was presided by Ma Chunliang, Director General of Departments of Food Production Safety Regulation, State Administration for Market Regulation.
Tian Shihong emphasized the need to thoroughly implement the spirit of President Xi Jinping’s important directives on the together cooperation of the Belt and Road initiative, strictly enforce the ‘four strictest’ requirements, continuously innovate the governance system, sustainably press and consolidate the food safety responsibilities of local management and enterprises, establish and improve mechanisms that exert force at the endpoint and take effect at the terminal, strictly prevent and control food safety risks, and resolutely safeguard the food safety on the people’s healthy. Tian Shihong pointed out that the State Administration for Market Regulation will continue to build a unified large market, optimize the business environment, promote fair competition, maintain market order, and serve the high-quality development of the food industry. It will continue to expand systemic opening-up in the food sector within the framework of the Belt and Road Initiative, including rules, regulations, management, and standards, advance mutual recognition of certification and accreditation results, expand international trade in food and agricultural products, strengthen the supporting role of food safety science and technology, promote food diversification, enhance quality, create brands, and continually meet the new needs and expectations for a better life of the people.
Chen Jie emphasized that strengthening international cooperation in ecological agriculture and food safety to achieve coordinated development and common security is a common aspiration and urgent desire of the Belt and Road countries. As an open international metropolis, Shanghai has always resolutely implemented the spirit of President Xi Jinping’s Belt and Road cooperation initiative, persistently enforced the ‘four strictest’ requirements, and promoted the high-quality development of the food industry. This forum brought together representatives from politics, business, and academia from Belt and Road countries and regions. Through the collision of ideas and exchange of experiences, it will further enhance the global consensus on food safety, deepen international cooperation in production supervision technology, and promote higher quality development in ecological agriculture and the food industry.
Zhang Ming stated that the world today faces the important tasks of maintaining ecological balance, ensuring food safety, and protecting residents' health. All countries are striving to achieve the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals. In this context, introducing ecologically sustainable technologies in agriculture and improving food safety standards are particularly important. Within the framework of smart agriculture and agricultural innovation cooperation among SCO member states, member countries are actively cooperating to develop and introduce advanced technologies, digital solutions and modernized agricultural production methods.
Zhang Min stated that Henan, in the new era, has embraced the world with open arms and dynamic development through the construction of aerial, terrestrial, online, and maritime Silk Roads, becoming a pivotal node in the collective endeavor of the Belt and Road Initiative. We anticipate using the platform of the Belt and Road Ecological Agriculture and Food Safety Forum to engage in profound exchanges with countries along the route in areas such as agriculture and the food industry, thereby continuously expanding comprehensive cooperation in trade, culture, tourism, and other fields.
Bateer noted that this year marks the decade since the inception of the Belt and Road Initiative and the launch of the Ecological Agriculture and Food Safety Forum. Over the past ten years, the forum has served as an excellent platform for interaction and dialogue among the Belt and Road participants, playing an active role in deepening international cooperation in agriculture and food sectors, as well as in enhancing the levels of security for agricultural products and food, which is of significant importance for the progressive development of the collective Belt and Road construction.
Zhang Zhongjun expressed that the global hunger issue remains severe, and the Food and Agriculture Organization has been committed to advancing the development of ecological agriculture and improving the level of food safety. The importance of technological innovation in solving food supply and safety issues is increasingly evident, with new food types and cutting-edge technological methods poised to positively impact the future of food safety.
During the proceedings, Ma Chunliang underscored the critical importance of further deepening agricultural and food safety cooperation within the Belt and Road framework. He proposed enhancing the innovative food safety governance system, promoting high-quality food industry supply, fostering mutual trust in international food trade, and adhering to the shared achievements in scientific and technological innovation. He expressed hope that all parties, domestic and foreign, would join hands in striving for the high-quality development of the food industry, thereby contributing to the creation of an even better life for humanity.
Technological innovation empowers the provision of high-quality food and agricultural products. The industry, a crucial pillar of the national economy and a foundation for livelihood security, is undergoing significant transformation. Under the chairmanship of Li Qiang, the Deputy Director General of the Department of Consumer Goods Industry, Ministry of Industry and Information Technology, along with Xiao Fang, Director General of the Department of Agro-product Safety and Quality, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs,, Ambassador of Tanzania to China ,Khamis Mussa Omar, Chen Lang, Vice President of China National Cereals, Oils and Foodstuffs Corporation, Wang Li, Vice Chairperson and General Manager of Kweichow Moutai Co., Ltd, Jiang Wenge, Vice Chairman and General Manager of Wuliangye Yibin Co., Ltd., Ma Xiangjie, President of Henan Shuanghui Investment and Development Co., Ltd., and Gu Lei, Chief Impact Officer of McDonald’s China, shared their insights and experiences on the theme ‘Sci-Technological Innovation Empowers the Food and Agricultural Industry, Ensuring High-Quality Supply.
During the hosting, Li Qiang stated that as the industrial transformation deepens, food, as an important pillar of the national economy and a basic industry that safeguards people's livelihood, is encountering broad development opportunities. Digital technology is playing an increasingly important role in empowering the transformation and upgrading of the agriculture and food industry. While continuously enhancing the capacity and level of food supply, it drives the food industry to constantly evolve towards safety, nutrition, standardization, customization, and intelligence.
Xiao Fang asserted that the Chinese government has always prioritized ensuring a stable and secure supply of food and key agricultural products as a matter of utmost importance in governance. Committed to maintaining both quantity and quality, overseeing production and ecology, and simultaneously safeguarding security while enhancing quality, China strives to provide consumers with safe and superior agricultural products. The quality and safety of China's agricultural products are well-protected, with an increasing supply of ecological and high-quality products, and a steady improvement in quality and safety, in which technological innovation has played a crucial role. On the new journey of high-quality joint construction of the Belt and Road, China’s agricultural sector is willing to deepen exchanges and collaboration with all countries to jointly promote high-quality agricultural development, high-quality supply, and high-level regulation, and together usher in a brighter future for the agriculture and food safety enterprise.
Khamis Mussa Omar believes that the Belt and Road Initiative has profound significance and notable success in deepening global trade. The Sino-Tanzanian friendship has continuously deepened, evolving into a comprehensive strategic partnership. The transition in agriculture from ‘Precision Agriculture 3.0’ to ‘Smart Agriculture 4.0,’ and the leap to ‘Digital Agriculture 5.0’ have jointly witnessed Tanzania’s technological progress, enhancing efficiency, productivity, industry profitability, and the sustainable improvement of the environment.
Chen Lang emphasized that food security is a fundamental issue related to human survival; addressing the problem of food centers fundamentally on technology. Over the past decade, the Belt and Road Ecological Agriculture and Food Safety Forum has endeavored to build a platform for resource integration and wisdom sharing among Chinese agricultural and food enterprises, promoting comprehensive domestic and international cooperation throughout the supply chain, facilitating the green transformation, innovative development, and supply chain security and efficiency of the global agricultural industry, making a significant contribution to the welfare of peoples of all nations and the creation of a better life for humanity.
Wang Li proposed that Moutai has established a quality management model of ‘Time, Environment, and Methodology’ that aligns with natural seasons, temporal principles, and the demands of the era to interpret and enrich the scientific connotations of ‘Time.’ It aims to safeguard and utilize brewing spaces, expand ecosystems, and assume social responsibilities to enrich the scientific connotations of ‘Environment.’ By following systematic craftsmanship and legal regulations, it interprets the essence of traditional techniques and innovates to enrich the scientific connotations of ‘Methodology.’
Jiang Wenge stated that amid the ongoing global technological revolution and industrial transformation, the food industry is also adapting to trends through technological empowerment for innovative development. We should persist in innovation-driven strategies, enhance the support of technology for the food industry, maintain market orientation to improve the adaptability of technology to consumer markets, and uphold quality as the foundation to enhance the assurance of food safety through technology.
Ma Xiangjie believes that the key to corporate development lies in harnessing the power of technology and leveraging advanced techniques to promote industrial upgrading. Especially in an era of rapid development in informatization and intelligentization, the real economy can only gain new advantages and achieve new developments in the new economic era by utilizing new technologies, new energies, new intelligences, and new models.
Gu Lei indicated that in recent years, the digital economy has flourished, with digitalization becoming the new engine for high-quality development across various industries. McDonald’s has actively embraced this trend, using digitalization to empower and drive food safety management throughout the entire chain, ensuring steady progress and purposeful advancement.
During the keynote speech titled ‘Enhance Brand Competitiveness and Stimulate the Development of the Dairy Industry’, hosted by Wu Da, the Deputy Director of Bureau of Import and Export Food Safety, the General Administration of Customs, a succession of distinguished guests including Gong Guoqiang, Deputy Director General of Department of Food Safety Standards, Risk Surveillance and Assessment, National Health Commission; Ben Min, General Manager of Bright Dairy & Food Co., LTD; Liu Chunxi, Executive President of Inner Mongolia Yili Industrial Group Co., Ltd.; Lu Guang, Chairman’s Consultant of China Feihe Limited; Sergio Cabrera, Ambassador of Colombia to China; Ibrahim Sory Sylla, Ambassador of Senegal to China; Vladislav Spasov, Consulate General of the Republic of Bulgaria in Shanghai; and ULADZIMIR NIAVESTSENKA, Counsellor of Belarus Embassy in Beijing, took the stage to advocate for strengthening brand development, enhancing brand influence and competitiveness, as pivotal measures in propelling the high-quality growth of the dairy sector, and contributing to its rapid realization.
Wu Da, in his role as moderator, posited that fortifying brand establishment and elevating the influence and competitive edge of our nation's brands are critical steps toward the high-quality advancement of the dairy industry.
Gong Guoqiang espoused the view that the forum served as a crucial platform for deepening international cooperation in the realm of food safety. He expressed eagerness to collaborate with all parties, upholding the Belt and Road initiative’s ethos of peaceful cooperation, openness, mutual learning, and shared benefit to intensify international exchanges and cooperation in food safety, thus actively promoting the synergy and shared governance in this field among China and the Belt and Road countries.
Ben Min articulated that the Belt and Road serves as a robust bond of mutual benefit, and the Import Expo symbolizes a concentric circle of open collaboration. Seizing the opportunity presented by the 6th China International Import Expo, Bright Dairy is committed to acting the perfect host, to enlarge the global dairy market, solidify the shared cooperative mechanisms among international dairy enterprises, and invigorate brand innovation strategies within the global dairy industry. Through an international perspective, they aim to set benchmarks against the world’s leading enterprises, champion the exceptional quality of Chinese dairy products, and channel substantial efforts towards illuminating Chinese brands on the global stage.
Liu Chunxi remarked that as a vital industry intertwined with human health, the stability of the dairy industry’s supply chain is crucial for crafting a better life for humanity. Yili, being among the global dairy industry’s top five and leading Asia’s dairy sector, adheres to an internationalization strategy. It is committed to amassing global strengths to expand its reach and fortify its supply chain, accelerate technological innovation, advance digital and intelligent upgrades, practice sustainable development, and extend an open, interconnected global health ecosystem. Yili aspires to construct a resilient global industrial chain that enhances the international influence of Chinese brands, thereby sculpting a new pinnacle for dairy industry development.
Ibrahim Sory Sylla noted that Senegal was the first West African nation to join the Belt and Road initiative. He highlighted that green development, ecological balance, and sustainable agricultural practices are pivotal in ensuring self-sufficiency in food for populations and providing a bulwark against regional poverty. The progression towards green and sustainable agriculture, transcending beyond the confines of developed nations, contributes significantly to the development of Africa and a shared future.
Lu Guang stated that Feihe is one of China’s pioneering infant formula companies, boasting a 61-year history. Through years of unwavering commitment and diligence, the company has flourished into China’s leading infant formula brand. It has also spearheaded a transformative battle for domestically produced infant formulas, significantly enhancing the competitive stature of Feihe and, by extension, that of China’s dairy brands.
Vladislav Spasov conveyed Colombia’s aspirations for development in the dairy sector and the potential of China as a market for food imports. He underscored the compatibility of Colombian agricultural products with the Chinese market, highlighting the Colombian dairy industry’s stringent quality control and production strengths. He also addressed the sustainability and logistical challenges facing the Colombian dairy sector, expressing anticipation for access to the Chinese dairy market and inviting investment from related Chinese enterprises.
Vladislav Spassov reflected on the historical fermentation process and evolution of Bulgarian yogurt, positing its consumption as evidence of Bulgaria’s secret to longevity. He touted its benefits in enhancing immunity, facilitating the absorption of Vitamin C and calcium, and providing radiation protection. Analyzing the unique properties and advantages of Bulgarian yogurt, the Consul General recommended its introduction or the use of Bulgarian fermentation cultures to enhance product quality.
ULADZIMIR NIAVESTSENKA noted that a significant portion of Belarus’s exports to China consists of agricultural products and food, as this trade is a sign of the great trust from their Chinese partners. Acknowledging China’s emphasis on food quality, he confidently declared Belarus’s readiness to meet the stringent quality requirements.
In a forum titled ‘Implementing the New Development Concept and Promoting the High-Quality Development of the Food and Agricultural Products Industry,’ moderated by Guo Xiangdan, Deputy Director General of Departments of Food Production Safety Regulation, State Administration for Market Regulation, industry leaders discussed topics related to the food sector. They included Wang Aizhu, Vice Chairman of Agri-Food Enterprises China, Charoen Pokphand Group; Xue Huayun, Commercial General Manager of North Asia and Australia, Cargill Food Solutions; Li Rongjie, Chairman of BBCA Group; Li Quan, Chief Executive Officer of TECHLEX Food Co., Ltd; Chen Yingran, Chief Executive Officer of Tingyi (Cayman Islands) Holding Corp; Cai Pipeng, General Manager of Beverage Division, Fujian Panpan Food Co., LTD; and Nalika Kodikara, Minister Counsellor, Embassy of Sri Lanka in China.
Guo Xiangdan stated that implementing the new development concepts is the essential path to growth and expansion in the new era. The food industry is a pillar of the national economy and a fundamental industry for safeguarding the livelihood of the people, and it is also a critical field for applying these new development concepts.
Nalika Kodikara remarked on the rapid development and deepening investment of the Sino-Sri Lankan bilateral cooperation under the mutual attention of the leaders of both nations. As the trade volume between the two countries continues to grow, so does the potential for collaboration. Additionally, she briefly introduced some of the measures and achievements of Sri Lanka in promoting high-quality development in the food industry.
Wang Aizhu stated that food safety is the lifeline of a food company, as well as a testament to its responsibility and commitment. CP Group actively implements the national food safety strategy, adhering strictly to the relevant laws, regulations, and standards. The group continually improves its internal food safety management systems to consistently provide the Chinese market with safe, healthy, nutritious, and delicious CP foods.
Xue Huayun believes that innovative development is the key driving force behind the high-quality growth of the food industry. From the perspective of new development concepts, innovation is prioritized, focusing on solving the issues of development momentum. For Cargill, as an agriculture and food company, innovation has played a critical role in its development over the past 158 years.
Li Rongjie indicated that due to the overuse of chemical fertilizers on China’s farmland over the years, there has been a continuous decline in soil organic matter and nutrient content, affecting crop yield and quality. Fengyuan Group’s efficient organic fertilizer, produced as a byproduct of straw-based sugar production, can be returned to the fields, converting them into fertile land and yielding premium Chinese grains, thus fulfilling President Xi’s vision of ensuring that the people have sufficient, high-quality, and safe food.
Li Quan remarked that Iron Horse has invested nearly 500 million to complete its digital transformation. In the food industry, it is crucial to safeguard consumers from the farm to the table, hence, building a comprehensive traceability system has been a focal point.
Chen Yingran expressed that Master Kong looks forward to utilizing the high-level platforms of the CIIE and the Belt and Road Ecological Agriculture and Food Safety Forum to strengthen exchanges with government departments, industry associations, research institutions, peers in the food industry, and media friends. This effort aims to advance comprehensive cooperation, jointly enhance food safety standards, and better ensure the "safety on the tip of the tongue" for the public.
Cai Pipeng conveyed that Want Want Food will continue to steadfastly implement the new development concepts, holding the primary task of high-quality development. He believes that only through focus can one delve deeper, and only by delving deeper can one achieve excellence, which in turn creates the extraordinary. Want Want Food will rejuvenate its brand, innovate products, upgrade channels, and energize end-point sales to build a new development pattern that is coordinated, multi-faceted, and mutually beneficial, thereby promoting high-quality development in the snack food industry.
The year 2023 marks the tenth anniversary of the Belt and Road Initiative as well as the Belt and Road Ecological Agriculture and Food Safety Forum. Over the past decade, the forum has successfully held 15 sessions within the framework of the National Food Safety Publicity Week and the China International Import Expo. The forum has solidly advanced the high-quality joint construction of the Belt and Road, conducted in-depth agricultural and food industry exchanges and cooperation, played a significant role in the development and safety of the agricultural food industry in the countries along the route, and facilitated smooth international trade among them.
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