Quanzhou News, November 5, 2024 (Reporter: Su Liyan, Lin Zhidang) — Quanzhou's bid to be recognized as a UNESCO "City of Gastronomy" has entered a crucial phase. By the end of December 2024, the city aims to complete its domestic submission for inclusion in the UNESCO Creative Cities of Gastronomy network. On November 4, a specialized training session was held in Quanzhou to provide guidance on preparing the application materials. The session was attended by Cai Tianshou, Standing Committee Member of the Municipal Party Committee, Secretary of the Political and Legal Committee, Vice Mayor of Quanzhou, and Executive Vice Group Leader of the "City of Gastronomy" Bid Working Group.

　　The meeting emphasized the importance of alignment with the decisions and plans of both the Municipal Party Committee and Municipal Government. All participating departments and organizations were instructed to clarify their responsibilities, meet deadlines, ensure the quality of submitted materials, and tailor their contributions to highlight the distinctive features of Quanzhou's culinary culture. The ultimate goal is to ensure the highest standard of the application, with full commitment from all involved.

　　During the session, the China Culinary Association's Quanzhou "City of Gastronomy" bid team provided detailed training on the requirements for compiling the application document. Moving forward, the application process will focus on gathering materials that meet the UNESCO selection criteria for Creative Cities of Gastronomy.

　　The Municipal Party Committee and Municipal Government of Quanzhou have placed significant emphasis on this bid. In June 2024, the "Quanzhou Plan for Applying to Join the UNESCO Creative Cities of Gastronomy Network" was introduced, outlining a collaborative framework involving "government leadership, industry participation, enterprise involvement, and community benefits." The plan underscores the critical role that gastronomy plays in promoting economic growth, fostering industry integration, driving consumer demand, creating jobs, and improving quality of life for residents. The city's goal is to secure the UNESCO "City of Gastronomy" title, recognizing Quanzhou's rich culinary traditions and its potential to have a global impact.