Minister Han said China is the birthplace of tea, the world’s largest tea producer and consumer, and a key tea exporter. In recent years, China has prioritized the high-quality development of the tea industry. As a result, the overall efficiency of China’s tea industry, as well as its global influence, has continued to increase. Last year, China’s tea production exceeded 3.7 million tons, accounting for more than half of the global output.  

Minister Han noted that renowned, specialty, and premium tea varieties continue to emerge, while the new-style tea drinks industry is thriving. China was the first to decode the full genome of the tea plant, leading to the development of a number of diverse tea tree varieties. Eco-friendly and low-carbon technologies have been widely promoted, contributing to a constant improvement in the green development of tea production. Currently, 23 tea-related systems in China have been included in China Nationally Important Agricultural Heritage Systems, among which four were designated as Globally Important Agricultural Heritage Systems. New industries and new business models, such as “Tea Culture + Study Tour” and “Tea Culture + Health and Wellness”, continue to emerge, revitalizing China’s centuries-old tea culture. 

Minister Han said that, while each country has its own distinctive tea industry and culture, there are many commonalities among them. China is ready to work with all parties to better promote the economic, social and cultural significance of tea, and help realize the UN 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.  

To this end, Minister Han put forth three proposals: First, jointly advance mutual learning and exchanges among different tea cultures, expand the scope of International Tea Day events, and further tap in, conserve, and utilize tea culture. Countries should also establish multilevel platforms for cooperation and exchanges, through the organizing of a variety of tea culture promotion activities to foster greater cultural integration. Second, work together to revitalize the tea industry, promote exchanges and cooperation in tea technology through various channels, jointly develop new varieties and technologies, and vigorously promote the sustainable development of the tea industry and the deep integration of tea, culture, and tourism. Countries should strengthen brand development, enhance the quality and overall efficiency of the tea industry, and further unlock the vast potential of tea consumption, thus spurring income increases for tea growers. Third, jointly promote mutually beneficial tea trade, continuously improve investment and trade facilitation in the tea industry, and build a fair and open trade environment, so as to facilitate the long-term, stable development of the tea trade. 

The event was chaired by Li Yanyi, Vice Governor of Zhejiang Province, with Yao Gaoyuan, Mayor of Hangzhou, delivering a welcome speech. A total of 120 individuals attended the event, including ambassadors from the Democratic Republic of Congo, Grenada, Colombia, Fiji, and Chile; envoys from the Netherlands, the United Arab Emirates, Australia, Kenya, France, Japan, and other countries; and representatives from international organizations such as the World Food Programme and from tea-producing provinces, research institutes, and tea companies across China.