An online forum focusing on the opportunities and challenges brought by the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership was held on April 27.

Organized by the China International Import Expo Bureau, the National Exhibition and Convention Center (Shanghai), and the China Chamber of Commerce of I/E of Foodstuffs, Native Produce and Animal By-products (CFNA), the seminar saw the participation of more than 100 food producers, purchasers and traders such as China National Cereals, Oils and Foodstuffs Corporation, and Guangdong (China) Imported Food Association.

The RCEP agreement involves tariff reductions, removal of trade barriers, rules of origin and other measures that would facilitate trade and liberalize investment, and would help the global economy rebound and grow, said Ma Haihua, director of the imported food public service platform under the CFNA.

Wang Jian, head of the agriculture and food department of SGS Group, explained the dairy industry laws and regulations and product standards in RCEP member countries, while Zhang Juan, a researcher at the Institute of International Business of Shanghai University of International Business and Economics, gave an overview of China's dairy product imports and the differences the RCEP will make.

The expert insights are expected to help dairy companies grasp new opportunities and achieve new growth, said Zhang Weimin, assistant president of the NEEC (Shanghai).

A promotional event for the food and agricultural products exhibition area of the fifth CIIE was also held at the same time. Organizers of the expo will take various measures, such as releasing procurement plans of purchasers and holding sideline events, to engage more exhibitors and visitors and create more benefits for them, said Zhang.

New Zealand dairy company Fonterra, which has participated in the CIIE for four years, said at the event that the expo is the best platform for multinational companies to launch new products and promote their brands in China.

The company said it is looking forward to enhancing cooperation with its Chinese partners and is optimistic about the future of the Chinese market.

By Zhao Luyang