EU-China deal to protect iconic regional products

The European Union and China struck a deal on Tuesday to protect the geographic origins of 200 regional products like Roquefort cheese or Pu’er tea.

Henceforth, in trade between the global giants, consumers must trust that booze labelled as Scotch whisky comes from Scotland and Moutai liquor comes from Kweichow.

The accord makes good on promises made at the EU-China summit in April, and was finalised during a visit to China by French President Emmanuel Macron and European officials.

The food label deal comes as both sides have struggled for years to make way on a long delayed EU-China investment deal with Brussels extremely concerned about the lack of market access in China for foreign companies and the prevalence of state subsidies.

EU agriculture commissioner Phil Hogan described the deal as a “win for both parties” that would strengthen trade ties and a protect farmers and consumers.

“Consumers are willing to pay a higher price, trusting the origin and authenticity of these products, while further rewarding farmers,” he said.

China is the EU’s second-largest market for agricultural exports, representing 12.8 billion euros between September 2018 and August 2019.

 

EU-China deal to protect iconic regional products

The European Union and China struck a deal on Tuesday to protect the geographic origins of 200 regional products like Roquefort cheese or Puer tea. Henceforth, in trade between the global giants, consumers must trust that booze labelled as Scotch whisky comes from Scotland and Moutai liquor comes from Kweichow. The accord makes good on promises made at the EU-China summit in April, and was finalised during a visit to China by French President Emmanuel Macron and European officials. The food label deal comes as both sides have struggled for years to make way on a long delayed EU-China investment deal with Brussels extremely concerned about the lack of market access in China for foreign companies and the prevalence of state subsidies. EU agriculture commissioner Phil Hogan described the deal as a win for both parties that would strengthen trade ties and a protect farmers and consumers. Consumers are willing to pay a higher price, trusting the origin and authenticity of these products, while further rewarding farmers, he said. China is the EUs second-largest market for agricultural exports, representing 12.8 billion euros between September 2018 and August 2019.