UNIDO, Quzhou to jointly promote world food safety

Bernardo Calzadilla-Sarmiento inspects the Fuli agricultural production base in Qujiang district, Quzhou, East China's Zhejiang province, on April 22. [Photo/ zj.zjol.com.cn]

A delegation from the United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO) paid a visit to Qujiang district, Quzhou, East China's Zhejiang province, on April 22.

Led by Bernardo Calzadilla-Sarmiento, director of the UNIDO Department of Trade, Investment and Innovation, the visit aims to build a partnership with Qujiang district and jointly develop an international demonstration area for food safety.

After inspecting the Fuli agricultural production base, Calzadilla-Sarmiento offered a few suggestions concerning standards for Qujiang's agriculture sector.

UNIDO has a lot of experience in formulating food safety standards and has cooperated with many international companies. "If we partner up, the cross-border purchase orders brought by UNIDO could possibly lead to the establishment of a global procurement center in Qujiang," Calzadilla-Sarmiento said.

The demonstration area, once confirmed, will be supported by UNIDO's resources and strong global influence and is expected to develop a new regional economic and technical base which will not only verify the quality and safety of food products, but also ensure that these products meet the entry standards of the international market.

The project is consistent with the mission of UNIDO - "supporting developing countries in the management and construction of green industry and food safety".

"We are confident in our partnership and look forward to further cooperation," said Calzadilla-Sarmiento at the end of the visit.

The delegation, led by Bernardo Calzadilla-Sarmiento, director of UNIDO Department of Trade, Investment and Innovation, poses with the head of Qujiang district, Quzhou, East China's Zhejiang province, on April 22. [Photo/ zj.zjol.com.cn]

Bernardo Calzadilla-Sarmiento speaks at a meeting in Quzhou, East China's Zhejiang province on April 22. [Photo/ zj.zjol.com.cn]