Chinese commerce official calls for removal of food trade barriers

A Chinese Ministry of Commerce official on Friday urged developed countries to remove trade barriers to promote the globalization of food trade.

Zhang Xiangchen, deputy director of the ministry's World Trade Organization Department, said at an international food forum that while improving food safety, relevant countries and regions should also take measures to diminish trade barriers.

Food safety and trade liberalization are non-conflicting issues, he added.

When working on food import standards, developed countries should take into full consideration the real conditions of developing countries, he said.

In recent years, technical trade barriers have become an important factor affecting China's exports of agricultural products and foodstuffs.

The number of food trade disputes posted by the World Trade Organization soared from 200 in 1995 to 600 in 2001. And this growth trend continues, Zhang said.