Two day online seminar between EU and China showcases Europe’s high food safety standards and trade opportunities

Internationally renowned as one of the most rigorous food protection regimes, the EU’s SPS system ensures that European products exported to China—and around the world—are safe, traceable, and of the highest quality possible. The event targeted Chinese importers, chambers of commerce, major retail chains, the HORECA sector, consumer organisations and the media.

In the last 10 years, agri-food trade flows between the EU and China have more or less quadrupled. This positive trade data is a testament to the popularity of Europe’s high quality food and drink amongst Chinese consumers. This month marks one year since the EU - China bilateral agreement on Geographical Indications (GIs) was signed. The agreement protects around 200 GIs from the EU and China.

This interactive seminar took a deep dive into the reciprocal trade benefits and demand for high-quality products between the EU and China. It gave participants valuable insights into how their businesses can leverage the quality, safety, authenticity and sustainability of European products to win loyal customers in China.

The seminar hosted 14 speakers from the EU, including industry experts hosting presentations on EU-China agri-food relations, sustainability (the EU Green Deal and Farm to Fork Strategy), as well as the EU food quality and safety system. Speakers further elaborated on the European Single Market with regard to food production, food safety, animal welfare and plant health.

Finally, the event included interactive round-tables on the trade opportunities offered by the EU’s Geographical Indications (GI) and organic farming systems. Live from Beijing, it closed with an animated debate on how to boost EU-China trade relations.

The presentations and e-learning capsules are available on the event website.