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China Daily Global / 2020-05 / 22 / Page001

Xi sends warm wishes as world celebrates tea

By Ma Zhenhuan in Hangzhou and Hu Meidong in Fuzhou | China Daily Global | Updated: 2020-05-22 00:00

President says nation will work to deepen cultural exchanges involving beloved beverage

China vowed to work with all parties to nurture the sustained and healthy development of the global tea industry on Thursday, the first International Tea Day.

In a letter expressing warm congratulations on a series of activities celebrating the day, President Xi Jinping said that as a major producer and consumer of tea, China will work to deepen cultural exchanges surrounding tea and allow more people to enjoy lives accompanied by tea.

In December, the United Nations General Assembly adopted a resolution that designated May 21 as International Tea Day. The resolution suggested observing the day through education and activities to raise public awareness of the importance of tea for rural development and sustainable livelihoods.

Noting that tea originated in China and became popular around the world, Xi added that the UN's decision showed the global community's recognition of and emphasis on the value of tea, and that the move is significant for revitalizing the tea industry and carrying forward tea culture.

Xi's letter says tea is one of the three major drinks in the world, produced in more than 60 countries and regions and enjoyed by over 2 billion people.

"The letter sent by President Xi is a real inspiration for us, and I am now more confident in a bright future for Chinese tea," said Jin Weiqiang, a farmer who has grown and sold Longjing tea on a small plantation in the Hangzhou village of Meijiawu, Zhejiang province, for 25 years.

As Chinese tea sees growing international recognition, Jin expected that there would be more platforms and activities for Chinese tea-growers to expand in domestic and foreign markets, and more government policies to support the industry.

Wei Yuede, a merchant with Anxi Tieguanyin Tea, said International Tea Day will help to increase the income of growers by attracting more clients, and lead to production of higher-quality tea.

Wei's family has made their living with tea for generations, and his forefathers even sold tea along the ancient Silk Road. He started to grow tea at age 13 and has been engaged in the industry for more than four decades.

Wei said tea day will encourage farmers to study tea consumption more closely to attract more young people, who often choose carbonated beverages.

The tea industry has also become an important tool in China's efforts to alleviate poverty in the agricultural sector.

While visiting a tea plantation in Pingli county during his inspection tour of Shaanxi province last month, Xi told the farmers that tea is the way for them to achieve prosperity and they should "do well in the industry".

The plantation, covering 80 hectares, has helped more than 300 poverty-stricken people to increase their annual income by an average of 1,100 yuan ($155).

Mo Jingxi in Beijing contributed to this story.

 

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