From 13 to 16 November 2020, at the invitation of Meishan Municipal People’s Government, Mr. Chen Dehai, Secretary-General of ASEAN-China Centre (ACC), together with representatives of ASEAN diplomatic missions in China, visited Meishan City, Sichuan Province and attended the opening ceremony of the 12th China International Pickle Food Expo and the 3rd World Sichuan Cuisine Conference and related activities. Mr. Pehin Dato Rahmani, Ambassador of Brunei to China and his spouse, representatives of the embassies of Lao PDR, Malaysia, Myanmar, the Philippines and Viet Nam in China attended the above-mentioned activities.
 

 

On 16 November, the opening ceremony of the 12th China International Pickle Food Expo and the 3rd World Sichuan Cuisine Conference was held in Meishan. Mr. Yang Hongbo, Vice Governor of the People’s Government of Sichuan Province, Ms. Zhu Chunxiu, Vice Chairperson of the Sichuan CPPCC, Mr. Tang Huajun, Member of the Party Committee of the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, President of the Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, and academician of the Chinese Academy of Engineering,Mr. Mu Xinhai, Secretary of CPC Meishan Municipal Committee, Mr. Hu Yuankun, Mayor of Meishan Municipal Government, Mr. Xing Ying, Executive Vice President of the World Federation of Chinese Catering Industry, representatives of the embassies of ASEAN Member States (AMS) in China, consulates general of Australia, Israel, Thailand, Japan, Pakistan, the ROK and Singapore in Chongqing and Chengdu, and relevant authorities, catering associations, enterprises and institutions attended the event. "World Sichuan Cuisine - Meishan Declaration" was released, and the signing ceremony of key projects was held. ACC Secretary-General Chen Dehai, Ambassador Pehin Dato Rahmanidelivered remarks at the opening ceremony. Ambassador Pehin Dato Rahmani gave an interview to local media after the ceremony.
 

On 15 November, the delegation of ACC and AMS diplomatic representatives met with Mr. Mu Xinhai, Secretary of CPC Meishan Municipal Committee, and Mr. Hu Yuankun, Mayor of Meishan Municipal Government. The two sidesexchanged views and reached consensus on strengthening exchanges and cooperation between Meishan and AMS in the fields of people-to-people exchanges as well as economy and trade,expressing willingness to draw on each other’s strength and explore potential for future cooperation to enhance friendly exchanges.

During their stay in Meishan, the delegation visited Shunlong Township, Danling County, Wawu Township, Hongya County, Sansu Shrine Museum, China Pickle Museum and theExhibition Center of the China International Pickle Food Expo, accompanied by Ms. Wang Shulin, Vice Mayor of Meishan Municipal Government.They learnt about the rural development,international culture and tourism industry, cultural heritage protection as well as the pickle food industry development in Meishan.

The 12th China International Pickle Food Expo and the 3rd World Sichuan Cuisine Conference would last until 22 November. Diverse events including Sichuan Cuisine Literature Exhibition, Global Sichuan Cuisine Industry Development Conference, World Sichuan Cuisine Awards Conference, World Sichuan Cuisine Cooking Skills Competition, World Chinese Hotpot Banquet Competition would be held. Catering enterprises and institutions from Indonesia, Lao PDR, Malaysia, Thailand and Viet Nam also participated and set up booths in the Expo.