Brussels, 14/11/2005 (Agence Europe) - In Brussels on 11 November, the EU and China signed a Memorandum of Understanding to step up their cooperation in product safety and food safety. The objective of this voluntary agreement is to improve the exchange of information, mutual understanding, consultation and cooperation between the Commission and the Chinese government agency for quality control, inspections and quarantine (AQSIQ). The two sides will hold regular meetings and launch joint initiatives to improve the health and safety of consumers. For product safety, the exchanged information will focus mainly on the standardisation of procedures, the implementation of regulations, market surveillance, border inspections, risk assessment and the organisation of safety tests, as well as training for interested parties. For food safety, the agreement aims to develop mutual confidence via a regular exchange of information on food products (particularly in case of problems and the establishment of communication networks).