On September 19, the First Global Geographical Indication Products Expo (GIPE 2025) and the China-EU Geographical Indications Agreement Forum, hosted by the China International Council for the Promotion of Multinational Corporations (CICPMC) with strong support from the Delegation of the European Union to China and other partners, grandly opened in Shunyi District, Beijing. Romania served as the Guest Country of Honor. As a milestone international event in the field of geographical indications (GI) in China and globally, this year’s Expo, themed “Leading High-Quality Consumption”, brought together GI products from nearly 30 countries and regions. Distinguished attendees included Dritan Abazović, former Prime Minister of Montenegro; Fang Aiqing, President of CCIIP; Violeta Musat, Secretary of State of the Ministry of Agriculture of Romania; Lu Shaye, Special Representative of the Chinese Government on European Affairs; Remus, Deputy Head of the EU Delegation to China; Pan Feng, Vice Chairman of the China-Europe Association for Technical and Economic Cooperation (CEATEC) and President of the Europe-China Economic Cooperation and Development Council (ECECDC); Cui Xiaohao, Deputy Secretary of CPC Shunyi District Committee of Beijing Municipality, District Major of Shunyi; Wu Hongliang, Director of the International Cooperation Center of the National Development and Reform Commission (NDRC); Carlos Aldeco, Representative of the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) in China; and Tian Ya, Deputy Director-General of the Department of Treaty and Law of the Ministry of Commerce. Over 300 Chinese and foreign dignitaries, institutional representatives, and business guests attended the opening ceremony. Cai Run, Head of the Chinese Mission to the EU and Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary, delivered a video address.

Event Background: Building on Cooperation, Opening a New International Chapter

The Expo evolved from the “Global Geographical Indications Products Expo,” which had been successfully held three times previously. Upgraded to the “First Global Geographical Indication Products Expo,” this year’s event aimed to deepen international cooperation on GI and establish a global hub for product showcasing, exchanges, and trade. Coinciding with the 50th anniversary of the establishment of China-EU diplomatic relations and the 4th anniversary of the China-EU Geographical Indication Agreement taking effect, the event served as an important practice to implement the outcomes of the China-EU Leaders’ Meeting and advance cooperation in intellectual property protection and high-quality consumption.

Distinguished Guests: Explore the Value of GI and Global Cooperation

At the opening ceremony, Chinese and foreign guests engaged in in-depth exchanges on the economic value, cultural significance, and global cooperation pathways of geographical indications.

Dritan Abazović, former Prime Minister of Montenegro, highlighted that GI represents “a new language of mutual understanding for the world,” carrying commitments to authenticity, quality assurance, and cultural heritage. Such cooperation, he noted, will build stronger bridges for trade and cultural exchange between China and the world.

Fang Aiqing, President of CCIIP, emphasized that the successful hosting of the Expo helps promote mutual understanding and exchange of GI products worldwide, facilitates coordinated development of the global GI industry, and advances the liberalization and facilitation of GI product trade, thereby enhancing their market share and influence internationally.

Violeta Musat, Secretary of State of the Ministry of Agriculture of Romania, speaking on behalf of the Guest Country of Honor, stated that Romania’s pavilion showcased agricultural products under European and national quality schemes (PDO/PGI/TSG). These quality marks, guaranteed by the state, not only protect traditional production areas and promote proprietary techniques, but also support rural development while offering consumers trusted, high-quality choices.

Pan Feng, Vice Chairman of CEATEC and President of ECECDC, stressed that GI serves as a bridge for international cooperation and industrial win-win outcomes. The Expo aims to create a global platform for GI product exchanges and to address concerns about product quality, fair pricing, and competitiveness in the agri-food sector. He pointed out that promoting inter-connectivity projects between departments and regions will positively impact economic development.

Products and Activities: Over a Thousand GI Products on Display

The Expo showcased more than one thousand high-quality GI products from Europe and China, covering categories such as alcoholic beverages, food, and agricultural products. Chinese specialties such as Niulanshan Erguotou liquor, Yanjing Beer, Zhouzhi Kiwifruit, and Jinhua Ham were presented alongside European products such as French Cognac, Romanian Sibiu Sheep Cheese, Irish Cream Liqueur, Czech Budějovice Beer, and Spanish Estepa Extra Virgin Olive Oil, offering a comprehensive overview of GI achievements worldwide.

The Expo also featured a variety of special events, including the opening ceremony of Romania’s Guest Country Pavilion, the opening of the China-Europe GI Pavilion, and thematic cultural activities such as “Discover Shunyi” and “Soul of the Balkans — Explore the Taste of Bosnia and Herzegovina.” These activities enriched the Expo’s content and fostered practical cooperation between Chinese and international enterprises.

Significance: Boosting Dual Circulation and Injecting New Momentum

As a major global event in the GI sector, the Expo not only provided a vital platform for showcasing and exchanging GI products but also promoted the upgrading and efficiency of the industry. It contributed to China’s “dual circulation” development strategy and injected new momentum into China-EU and global economic and trade cooperation.

During the Expo, the special program In the Footstep of European Diplomats: A Visit to Shunyi and Balkan Souls—Explore the flavors of Bosnia and Herzegovina was also held, serving as an important bridge for expanding cooperation between Shunyi District and Europe across multiple fields, as well as for building international partnerships for the Beijing China-Germany Industrial Park.

As one of Beijing’s key plain new towns, Shunyi is focusing on international development, advancing the Airport Economy Pilot Zone and developing into an integrated international city of industry and urban living. It is accelerating the establishment of a “5+4” industrial system, building four major industrial functional zones, and enhancing its overall livability and business environment. The Expo further strengthened exchanges and cooperation between Shunyi and European political and business circles, boosted local consumption in dining, accommodation, and transportation, and enhanced the international visibility of Shunyi’s enterprises and products, helping to build a shining “Shunyi Brand.”