Romania, Guest of Honor at the 4th Global Exhibition of Geographical Indication Products in Beijing

From September 19 to 21, 2025, Beijing will host the 4th Global Exhibition of Geographical Indication Products (GIPE), a major event bringing together over 300 companies from around the world, showcasing traditional products with significant cultural and gastronomic value.

At this edition, Romania will be the Guest of Honor, with its own pavilion to present both high-quality food products and tourism services.

This year’s exhibition covers 11,500 square meters and features companies from China and other countries, offering a wide range of products: wines, honey, cheeses, cold cuts, and other prepackaged foods. For the first time, the Romanian Pavilion will also promote tourism offers, including cultural and spa packages, contributing to the diversification of Romania’s image in the Asian market.

Authorities and Economic Partners in Action

The successful Romanian participation is due to the direct involvement of:

• H.E. Dan-Horia Maxim, Ambassador of Romania to China;

• Liviu-Cătălin Sirop, Second Secretary at the Romanian Embassy;

• Prahova Chamber of Commerce and Industry;

• Qiangmiao Chen (Gelu), importer of Romanian wines and future promoter of spa tourism on the Black Sea coast.

These actors have ensured a professional presence at the pavilion and promoted Romanian products effectively.

GIPE – A Strategic Platform for China-EU Cooperation

The Global Exhibition of Geographical Indication Products (GIPE) is part of the implementation of the China-EU Agreement on Geographical Indications, signed in the presence of China’s and the European Union’s leaders. The event provides a platform for economic and trade cooperation, offering opportunities to:

• increase mutual exports;

• promote traditional products with added value;

• strengthen bilateral relations between China and Europe.

In previous editions (2022–2024), over 2,000 enterprises from 50+ countries showcased 7,200 GI products, with more than 409,000 visitors and extensive media coverage, including CCTV.

Press Conference Ahead of the Exhibition

On August 6, 2025, a press conference for the International Exhibition of Geographical Indication Products was held in the China-Germany building, Shunyi District, Beijing. Participants included:

• Yang Pengbo, Director of Shunyi Commercial Bureau;

• Pan Feng, Vice-President of the China-Europe Association for Economic and Technical Cooperation;

• Zhou Xiaoyan, Executive Vice-President of the China Association for International Investment Promotion;

• Cătălin Sirop, Second Secretary at the Romanian Embassy in China.

Pan Feng emphasized:

“The exhibition will leverage regional advantages and collaborate with Romania, the Guest of Honor, to build a platform for mutual recognition, learning, and exchange of geographical indication products between China and Europe, turning high-level national design into practices for local development and people’s well-being.”

Cătălin Sirop highlighted Romania’s commitment to developing economic and trade relations with China based on reciprocity, transparency, openness, and equity, noting that bilateral trade in 2024 reached USD 9.28 billion, including USD 779 million in exports and USD 8.5 billion in imports from China.

Chinese Market Interest in Romanian Products and Tourism

Qiangmiao Chen, importer of Romanian wines, stated:

“I know very well the potential of Romania’s economy and the quality of your products and services, but promotion is needed. Romanian wines are already appreciated here, and Romania has important potential in spa tourism. I hope more Chinese tourists will visit your country soon.”

This highlights that Romania can gain visibility and competitiveness in a vast and sophisticated market like China, offering quality products and authentic tourism experiences.

Conclusion

Romania’s participation as Guest of Honor at GIPE 2025 represents:

• an opportunity to promote Romanian geographical indication products;

• a platform to develop trade relations with China;

• a vehicle for promoting cultural and spa tourism;

• a long-term strategy for increasing exports and attracting international tourists.

The Beijing event marks an important step in positioning Romania as a reliable economic and cultural partner, aligned with international standards and EU strategic objectives.