Source: Quanzhou Net, 23 July. By Chen Yunqing, journalist; with contributions from Su Xiaohui. Text and photos.

Industry experts demonstrate their culinary skills in a display and exchange

　　To capitalise on Quanzhou's profile as a UNESCO City of Gastronomy and deepen culinary and cultural exchanges across the Taiwan Strait, the city recently hosted three events focused on developing shared cross-strait standards for outdoor banquet catering. These comprised the National Rural Banquet Chefs Industry Conference, a cross-strait culinary demonstration and a symposium dedicated to shared standards.

　　The events brought together participants from both sides of the Strait to discuss the development of the rural banquet catering industry and the alignment of relevant standards. They aimed to promote integrated cross-strait development through standardisation and advance a pilot programme for shared standards in outdoor banquet catering services.

　　Thematic discussions and culinary demonstrations

　　On the afternoon of 15 July, a seminar on the development of the rural banquet catering industry was held under the theme 'World Heritage, Quanzhou Flavours: Passing on the Craft of Rural Banquet Chefs'. It brought together outdoor catering experts from both sides of the Strait, rural banquet chefs and representatives of food ingredient suppliers.

　　The seminar opened with a cross-strait dialogue on shared outdoor banquet standards. Under the theme 'Dialogue on Standards, a Shared Vision for the Industry', participants discussed how closer coordination on standards could support the industry's future development.

　　Representatives of the Quanzhou Municipal Comprehensive Centre for Market Regulation Monitoring and Technical Support explained the significance and prospects of aligning cross-strait standards for outdoor banquets. They also presented the pilot programme's progress, the framework for a shared standards system and the proposed approach to drafting the standard.

　　Drawing on his practical experience of Taiwan's pan-chō outdoor banquets, Shi Jianfa of the Chinese Culinary Culture Exchange Association in Taiwan analysed differences between outdoor catering practices and regulations on the two sides of the Strait. He also offered practical recommendations for aligning their standards.

　　Following the presentations, rural banquet chefs from across China and industry representatives from both sides of the Strait exchanged views on implementing the standards and transforming the industry. Other discussions addressed the development of distribution channels, food safety at rural banquets and the training of culinary professionals, covering key aspects of the industry's standardised development.

　　Participants subsequently attended the main session of the National Rural Banquet Chefs Industry Conference. There, they held detailed discussions and business talks with representatives of more than 100 banquet ingredient suppliers from across China and over 800 rural banquet catering professionals.

　　The following day, experts from the Chinese Culinary Culture Exchange Association in Taiwan and the Taiwan International Young Chefs Association held a cross-strait culinary demonstration. Acclaimed chefs from both sides cooked together, preparing classic southern Fujian banquet dishes and signature Taiwanese pan-chō dishes.

　　Through live demonstrations of knife skills, heat control, seasoning and banquet presentation, the chefs highlighted the shared cultural roots of Fujian and Taiwanese cuisine. Guests were able to experience first-hand the heritage and traditions common to both.

　　During the event, catering professionals from Taiwan drew on their practical experience to offer industry-focused recommendations. These covered ingredient traceability and quality control, hygiene practices at outdoor venues and service standards throughout the banquet process. Their first-hand insights provided valuable evidence for revising the proposed shared cross-strait standards for outdoor catering.

　　More than a culinary showcase, the event strengthened connections between professionals from both sides of the Strait and deepened their shared understanding of the rural banquet industry's future development.

　　Shared standards support cross-strait outdoor catering

　　The practical insights gained from the culinary exchanges were then incorporated into the refinement of the draft standard.

　　On the morning of 17 July, a symposium on the pilot programme for shared cross-strait standards in outdoor banquet catering was held at the Luojiang District Administration for Market Regulation. Attendees included officials from the Quanzhou Municipal Administration for Market Regulation and its Luojiang District counterpart, experts from the municipal comprehensive centre for market regulation monitoring and technical support, experienced local rural banquet chefs and representatives of Taiwan-invested food ingredient suppliers.

　　Experts presented the pilot programme's progress and provided a detailed comparison of the laws, regulations and standards governing outdoor catering on both sides of the Strait. Participants submitted written feedback and discussed the proposed standards framework, food safety and risk-control provisions, mutual recognition of rural banquet chef qualifications and rules governing the distribution of food ingredients between Fujian and Taiwan.

　　After the symposium, the experts consolidated the feedback collected from participants and continued to revise and refine the draft Requirements for Shared Cross-Strait Outdoor Banquet Group Dining Services.

　　Quanzhou's rural banquet culture and Taiwan's pan-chō tradition share deep historical and cultural roots, providing a strong foundation for cooperation in the outdoor catering industry. Together, the three events created a platform for dialogue on standards, culinary exchange and industry networking, bringing together the practical knowledge and experience of professionals from both sides of the Strait.

　　The municipal market regulation authorities will continue to promote the implementation of shared cross-strait standards for outdoor catering and organise regular exchanges among rural banquet chefs from both sides. By improving the interoperability of standards, Quanzhou aims to strengthen its development as a UNESCO City of Gastronomy and contribute to its role as a demonstration zone for integrated cross-strait development.