Strategic Cooperation Framework Agreement Signed between Quanzhou Municipal Government and China Culinary Association_Official Website of Quanzhou's Application for the UNESCO Creative Cities Network (UCCN) City of Gastronomy
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Strategic Cooperation Framework Agreement Signed between Quanzhou Municipal Government and China Culinary Association
Time: 2024-04-26 09:01

  On April 24-25, at the invitation of the Quanzhou Municipal Government, Yang Liu, President of the China Culinary Association, visited Quanzhou for research. During the visit, he signed a strategic cooperation framework agreement with the Quanzhou Municipal Government to enhance the quality and efficiency of Quanzhou's catering industry, promote the high-quality development of New Min cuisine, and assist Quanzhou in its application for UNESCO's "City of Gastronomy." During the research visit, President Yang also attended the 2024 China Culinary Association Hot Pot Committee Chairwork Conference held at the Shishi Rongyu International Hotel.

  On the morning of April 25, President Yang Liu and his delegation visited the Quanzhou Hotel to attend an important event focused on the high-quality development of Quanzhou's catering industry—the signing ceremony of the strategic cooperation framework agreement between the Quanzhou Municipal Government and the China Culinary Association. Prior to the signing, Vice Mayor Cai Tianshou of Quanzhou met with President Yang Liu and the delegation, holding a strategic cooperation forum. Vice Mayor Cai extended a warm welcome to President Yang's return to Quanzhou and expressed gratitude for the China Culinary Association's long-standing efforts in promoting Quanzhou's culinary culture. He also hoped that, under the guidance of this strategic cooperation framework, the China Culinary Association would offer professional advice and support to Quanzhou's UNESCO "City of Gastronomy" application.

President Yang Liu in a discussion with Vice Mayor Cai Tianshou.

  President Yang expressed her gratitude to the Quanzhou Municipal Government for the invitation, mentioning that she was delighted to visit Quanzhou again, noting it was her second visit within half a year, which demonstrates the city's strong cultural appeal. On April 15-16, during the "International Symposium on the Concept of Cultural Exchange and Mutual Learning" held at UNESCO Headquarters in Paris, the China Culinary Association was invited to execute a reception for the event, presenting several dishes that showcased the distinctive flavor of Quanzhou's Minnan cuisine. The dishes, crafted by chefs Hu Manrong and Liu Shuwen, earned widespread praise from international guests, further showcasing Quanzhou's culinary culture.

  After the forum, the formal signing of the agreement took place in the presence of Yang Liu, Cai Tianshou, Hu Manrong (Executive Vice Chairman of the China Culinary Association's Executive Committee), Liu Shuwen (President of the Quanzhou Catering and Culinary Industry Association), and leaders from related departments.

  The agreement establishes cooperation to support the high-quality development of Quanzhou's catering industry, promote the "Quanzhou cuisine" brand, cultivate leading enterprises, strengthen the development of local ingredients, and research pre-prepared meals. Further, the agreement emphasizes the development of catering talent, organizing industry skill competitions, and fostering national catering festivals, which will include conferences, forums, food festivals, and other activities to promote Quanzhou as a "Global Silk Road Culinary Capital and Landmark City of Gastronomy."

  The signing ceremony of the strategic cooperation framework agreement between the Quanzhou Municipal Government and the China Culinary Association.

  Other key leaders from the China Culinary Association attending this event included Zhang Dahai (Executive Vice Secretary-General) and Zhang Li (Deputy Secretary-General). Leaders from the Quanzhou Municipal Committee for Cultural History and Studies, the Quanzhou Business Bureau, the Quanzhou Market Supervision Bureau, the Quanzhou Culture and Tourism Bureau, and the Quanzhou Culture and Tourism Development Group were also present.

  During the research visit, President Yang Liu also visited businesses and venues in Dehua County, Shishi City, and Jinjiang City, laying a solid foundation for future national events such as the China Chef Festival and the China Catering Industry Development Conference to be hosted in Quanzhou.

  President Yang Liu's first stop was Dehua, known as the "Porcelain Capital of China." On the afternoon of April 24, following a refreshing post-rain visit, President Yang toured several local ceramic enterprises, including Wuzhou Ceramics, Lusheng Group, and Dehua Ceramic Art City, to better understand the county's ceramic industry development, porcelain-making techniques, foreign trade, and product design. She praised the innovation and progress in Dehua's ceramics industry and offered suggestions for further collaboration with the catering industry.

President Yang Liu conducting research in Dehua County.

  At the Shishi City Garment Exhibition Arts Center, President Yang inspected the venue and was briefed on the facility. She expressed that the central location, well-equipped infrastructure, and accessibility made it an ideal site for food-tasting events, enabling local residents to enjoy a wide variety of culinary offerings.

President Yang Liu inspecting the Shishi City Garment Exhibition Arts Center.

  President Yang Liu also visited the Shishi International Food Market for research. As the first pilot market approved by the General Administration of Customs for exporting pre-packaged foods via market procurement trade, the Shishi International Food Market hosts a range of businesses involved in international trade, food production, wedding food, gifts, and food ingredients. During her visit, President Yang was briefed on its operations and engaged with merchants, gaining a deeper understanding of the market dynamics.

President Yang Liu visiting the Shishi International Food Market for research.

  At the Jinjiang International Convention and Exhibition Center, President Yang Liu's delegation thoroughly assessed the exhibition space and facilities. She noted that the center met all the technical requirements for hosting international food events such as the China Chef Festival, which would support the region's large-scale industry events in the future.

  President Yang Liu inspecting the Jinjiang International Convention and Exhibition Center.

  President Yang Liu’s final stop was the Guoao Meat Industry (Fujian) Co., Ltd., where she visited the production workshop and examined the company's safety and production processes. She was impressed by the diverse range of products offered by the company.

President Yang Liu visiting Guoao Meat Industry (Fujian) Co., Ltd.

  President Yang expressed that Quanzhou’s rich maritime culinary heritage, strong industrial foundation, delicious local dishes, and exquisite porcelain art had left a lasting impression on her. Going forward, the China Culinary Association will strengthen its cooperation with Quanzhou, pooling industry resources and organizing renowned chefs to further support Quanzhou’s bid for "City of Gastronomy."