Brussels, 22/07/2013 (Agence Europe) - European Agricultuire Commissioner Dacian Ciolos will travel to Beijing from 22 to 24 July, with the aim of achieving a reinforcement of cooperation between the European Union and China in the fields of agriculture and rural development.
“Agriculture is of strategic importance for both the EU and China in our efforts to address challenges such as ensuring food security, fighting climate change, and achieving a balanced development of rural territories. Based on a long-term, trustful and open collaboration, our trade relations in the area of food and agriculture are growing. Following last year's agreement for a cooperation plan on agriculture, that has already started producing concrete results, I believe there is still an enormous potential for development for the benefit of both parties”, Ciolos said before he left.
The main topics to be addressed during the visit concern enhanced cooperation in the fight against counterfeiting in the wines and spirits sector, as well as in the field of food security and agricultural research, with a view to increasing agricultural productivity and the sustainable management of natural resources. The visit also aims to step up dialogue on trade aspects related to agricultural products and to promote the organic food equivalency system between the Union and China, as well as the agreement on quality food products. (LC/transl.fl)