China, Singapore food zone inaugurates in Jilin

The Jilin Provincial People’s Government announces the inauguration of the China Jilin (Singapore) Modern Agricultural Cooperation Food Zone.

This major collaborative project is designed to enhance food security and safety for Singapore and China.

It is also poised to become a major production centre for disease-free, healthy and wholesome foods.

To be overseen by the municipal government of Jilin City, the food zone will focus on the following activities:

• disease-free farming,

• safe and healthy food processing,

• warehousing and logistics,

• product testing and inspection, and

• research & development (R&D) and training.

According to Wang Zhihou, vice-mayor of the Jilin City municipal government, the preliminary plan of the food zone will comprise of three areas – the Core Area, the Control Area and the hinterland.

Tthe Core Area is a compact 30 sq km plot of land in the Chaluhe Special Agricultural Economic Development Area, located within the province’s Yongji County.

It will be used to develop industries such as food processing, health food, bio-technology, education and training, outsourcing, logistics, meetings and conventions, finance and insurance as well as leisure.

An eco-city is also slated for development.

The Control Area is a sprawling 1,450 sq km region surrounded by rivers, mountains, swamps, wetlands and other geographical features.

It is to be developed into a Disease Free Zone (DFZ) for activities such as disease-free plantation and breeding, eco- agriculture, organic agriculture, precision farming and boutique farming.

The hinterland area includes the provinces of Jilin, Liaoning, Heilongjiang and Inner Mongolia.

It will be used mainly to cultivate high-quality raw materials such as rice, livestock and aquatic products which will then be supplied to the food zone to ensure its sustainable development.