Chinese Vice-Premier Wu Yi said on Thursday that China has a long way to go to secure food safety and the government will pass measures to improve the situation.

"First, we need to borrow international experiences to streamline China's food monitoring system," said Wu in her opening speech at the Global Food Safety Forum.

China will monitor new technology and upgrade its method of food inspection and production, Wu said.

Efforts will also be made to establish a new system of food standards, an effective food monitoring network and a food safety credit system, she said.

The vice-premier said as a developing nation with huge population, China has made significant achievements in food production and supply.

"So far, the legal system on food safety has been set up and relevant administration, standardization and monitoring networks also began to take form," she said.

In addition, Wu said the Chinese government has improved its response to food emergencies and carried out regular inspections on food products across the country.

In her speech, Wu Yi also promised that the Chinese government will remain dedicated to the improvement of international cooperation and exchanges on food safety. China will borrow and share experiences from the international community and make contributions to the establishment of an effective and harmonious, worldwide food safety system.

The two-day forum was sponsored by the Development Research Center of the State Council, China's Ministry of Science and Technology, Ministry of Commerce and Canadian International Development Agency.
 
(Xinhua News Agency November 18, 2004)