The first-ever Sino – U.S. Forum was held in Beijing, China on November 12 and was deemed to be a success for the poultry industries of both the U.S. and China.   Over 300 participants including U.S. and China government officials and representatives from both countries’ poultry and feed grain industries attended the event which was co-sponsored by USSEC and UIPDP (USAPEEC International Poultry Development Program). 

PoultrySite Digital reported, “The forum marks the first time that the U.S. poultry, soybean and grains industries have come together with the Chinese poultry industry for bilateral dialogue on key issues and imminent challenges such as food security, food safety and sustainability.”  The Beijing conference was followed by subsequent forums in Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam which aimed at strengthening the relationship between the U.S. and Vietnamese poultry industries and were attended by more than 250 people.

In his remarks to the Beijing participants, Under Secretary for Farm and Foreign Agricultural Services Michael Scuse stated that the forum was a milestone by which to measure the advancement of the strong relationship that is developing between the US poultry and feed sectors and their Chinese counterparts.
USSEC’s session in China focused on integration, cooperation and a working relationship that ensures that poultry is produced in a safe and sustainable manner.  The Vietnam forums shifted to highlight production and best management practices to help the Vietnamese industry achieve its food safety goals.  USSEC has focused its efforts on helping Chinese and Vietnamese buyers to improve their purchasing strategy and to encourage them to buy more U.S. soy by providing such sessions.