A matchmaking event by the high-quality brand alliance comprising export-oriented agricultural enterprises in the Weifang National Comprehensive Pilot Zone for Agriculture Opening Up and Development was held at the National Vegetable Quality Standards Center in Shouguang, Weifang city of Shandong province, on June 26.  

Twenty representatives from agricultural departments and higher education institutions of seven developing countries — Panama, Zimbabwe, Mongolia, South Sudan, Nepal, Samoa and Ethiopia — attended the launch ceremony. Other attendees included officials from the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Weifang and the Shouguang local government. During the event, the International Vegetable Standardization Industry Alliance was launched to strengthen the mutual recognition of standards and help high-quality agricultural products in Weifang go global.

The establishment of the alliance is aimed at optimizing international vegetable standards, boosting the dual-circulation paradigm and promoting high-quality agricultural products, standards and technologies both domestically and internationally. Led by the National Vegetable Quality Standards Center, the alliance will comprise leading enterprises, universities, research institutes and the governments in countries and regions involved in the Belt and Road Initiative.

Since its establishment, the National Vegetable Quality Standards Center has given full play to the advantages of Shouguang's vegetable industry and accelerated the integration and development of vegetable standards with the release of three national standards, seven agricultural standards, 14 local standards and 67 group standards. 

"Next, we will make good use of this platform, promote mutual recognition of domestic and international standards, improve the standardization and quality of vegetables and better serve the high-quality development of the vegetable industry," said Fu Leqi, head of the center.

Bayasgalan Sanduijav, an expert from Mongolia's agriculture and animal husbandry trading center, said: "The establishment of the alliance is very necessary. China has many advanced agricultural production technologies and equipment that can be used in Mongolia. I hope to enhance cooperation with China through this alliance."