There was a Sino-US food symposium, in the Sheraton Hotel, in New York City, on May 4, as part of the "China Shanxi Food Festival in New York", with Liu Yi, of China's consulate-general there, Xie Gang, secretary general of the US Jin Merchant General Assembly, and Li Yaguang, vice chairman of the China Cuisine Association taking part.

Meng Zhaowen, a United States Congress representative, who was at the symposium, expressed her best wishes for the event. Liu addressed the gathering, saying that New York is the US's No.1 city, with a great economic and political influence in the world, while Shanxi province is one of the origins of the Chinese, with a long history and the “China Shanxi Food Festival in New York” will act as a bridge to connect the two places for better communications and a winning relationship.

Sun Yuejin, head of Shanxi provincial commercial bureau, explained that Shanxi noodles, which are on display, have a long history and many cooking methods, but are rare in other countries, so, the "China Shanxi Food Festival in New York" activities will introduce Shanxi and its food, culture and brands to the rest of the world through New York.

Edited by Roger Bradshaw