Hengzhou jasmine industry to explore ASEAN markets

Performers showcase making jasmine flower tea. [Photo by Lin Hao/China News Service]

The 4th World Jasmine Conference will take place on Sept 19 and 20 both online and on-site in Nanning and Hengzhou, Guangxi Zhuang autonomous region. It will showcase Hengzhou's jasmine flower industry and its city image, aiming to attract more domestic and overseas investors to seek development opportunities in Hengzhou. 

Wang Qing, chairman of the China Tea Marketing Association, said in a video speech that this year's conference will discuss pressing issues related to the integrated development of the jasmine flower industry, technology, and culture. 

Wang also expressed hope that China's jasmine flower industry can make full use of the China-ASEAN Expo to be further promoted overseas, as well as to learn from global advanced technologies and concepts.

Li Weipeng of the Department of Agriculture and Rural Affairs of Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region said that Guangxi will take the conference as a good opportunity to boost the jasmine industry. It will also further promote the "1+9" industry cluster of jasmine flower + scented tea, potted plants, food, tourism, supplies, catering, medicinal, sports, and health care.

Currently, the jasmine flower production of Hengzhou accounts for 80 percent of China's total and 60 percent of the world's total. The city yielded 102,000 metric tons of fresh jasmine flowers and 80,000 tons of jasmine tea in 2021, achieving a total jasmine flower industrial output of 14.38 billion yuan ($2.1 billion).

Of note, this year's conference has been listed as one of the investment and trade promotion events of the 19th CAEXPO. Huang Weimin of the CAEXPO Secretariat expressed hope that Hengzhou's jasmine flower industry can participate in global agricultural economic and trade cooperation opportunities brought about by CAEXPO.