Chongqing hosts China-Singapore agricultural roundtable to boost trade cooperation

Chongqing hosted the China-Singapore Agricultural Cooperation Roundtable, which included over 60 delegates from food processing, trade enterprises, universities, and business associations in Chongqing and Singapore on August 12.

Chongqing hosted the China-Singapore (Chongqing) Agricultural Cooperation Program Roundtable on August 12. [Photo/China-Singapore (Chongqing) Demonstration Initiative on Strategic Connectivity Management Bureau]

The event highlighted the supply of Chongqing's unique agricultural products, including Wushan crispy plums, Zhongxian oranges, Yunyang chrysanthemums, and Tongnan lemons, to Singapore and Southeast Asia.

Wushan crispy plums were packaged and shipped to Singapore. (Photo/Wushan District)

Zhang Yongwu, Director of Chongqing Municipal Commission of Commerce, welcomed the Singapore Institute of Food Science and Technology (SIFST) delegation and emphasized Chongqing's strategic advantages in location, economy, and progress in the China-Singapore (Chongqing) Demonstration Initiative on Strategic Connectivity (CCI).

He said Chongqing, as part of the Chengdu-Chongqing economic circle, is positioning itself as China's fourth economic growth pole, supported by its strategic location, strong logistics, industrial base, and population density.

Zhang also pointed out the achievements of the China-Singapore (Chongqing) Agricultural Cooperation Program, notably the creation of the "360 Bowls of Chongqing Flavors" food brand. The initiative showcases 360 local delicacies, highlighting the rich banquet culture of Sichuan and Chongqing.

Zhang hoped for deeper cooperation with SIFST, especially in promoting Chongqing's hot pot and noodles, and suggested further professional exchanges to boost agricultural collaboration.

Liu Guizhong, Director of Chongqing Agriculture and Rural Committee, highlighted the rapid growth of Chongqing's food processing industry, emphasizing its unique mountainous agriculture and developments in hotpot ingredients, Chinese herbs, and packaged meals.

Liu praised Singaporean companies for their active role in this growth, including their support in exporting Chongqing's first hotpot butter to Japan in 2022 and the substantial investments from firms like Yihai Kerry. He sees strong potential for future cooperation between Chongqing and Singapore in R&D, branding, and industrial optimization.

Lim Chee Kian, SIFST senior president, expressed optimism about Chongqing's economic prospects and the need to strengthen ties.

Lim noted that the visit aims to deepen SIFST's understanding of Chongqing's food processing industry and create platforms for trade cooperation, standard alignment, and personnel exchanges.

The roundtable also featured discussions on various topics, including new product development, technology application, industrial support, brand management, trade standards, industry-education integration, and the creation of exchange platforms.