The Embassy of BiH in the People’s Republic of China, in cooperation with the Shunyi District of Beijing and the Organizing Committee of the 4th International Conference on the Protection of Geographical Indications, organized on September 21 a unique promotional event titled “With the step of European diplomacy: Visit Shunyi District & Soul of the Balkans – Discover the flavors of BiH.”
The event brought together around 200 guests, including ambassadors, diplomats, and chamber of commerce representatives from nearly 30 European countries, among them all states of Southeast Europe, as well as representatives from France, Ireland, Italy, Germany, Russia, Spain, Sweden, and Turkey. The audience also included representatives of the Chinese business sector, former Chinese ambassadors to European countries, and numerous local officials of Shunyi District, one of the most developed and attractive parts of Beijing with a population of over 1.3 million.
The aim of the event was to present the rich cultural, tourist, and gastronomic heritage of BiH and the wider Balkan region, while highlighting the potential for strengthening economic and cultural cooperation with China. At the same time, the developmental capacities of Shunyi District, as one of the key business and innovation centers of the Chinese capital, were promoted, the Embassy of BiH stated.
During the evening, guests enjoyed tastings of authentic products from BiH, including those with protected geographical indications, watched a promotional film about BiH, visited an exhibition of folk costumes and tourist attractions, and sampled traditional specialties. Speeches were delivered by BiH Ambassador to China Siniša Berjan and Gong Zongyuan, Secretary of the Communist Party of Shunyi District, both emphasizing the importance of mutual understanding, cooperation, and cultural exchange.
A significant number of domestic companies contributed to the event’s success. Notable among them were Agro Destil from Laktaši, Tvrdoš Winery from Trebinje, Čitluk Winery, Prijedorčanka, Vispak from Visoko, Livno Dairy, Agroplan from Bijeljina, Edin Babić Butchery from Visoko, Batinić Beekeeping Center, Capra Natural Cosmetics from East Sarajevo, and Ljekobilje from Ljubinje. The municipality of Drvar also gave valuable support with its products.
Products that drew particular attention included Drvar’s traditional cornelian cherry jam (mućeni pekmez od drenjina), Livno cheese, and Visoko smoked beef (pečenica), recognized as important examples of preserving local traditions through geographical indication labeling.
Other promoted items included domestic wines and brandies, organic teas, lavender and essential oils from Herzegovina, natural cosmetics, ajvar, blackberry wine, honey, coffee, chocolate, and handmade souvenirs, all of which enriched the experience of the “soul of the Balkans” in the heart of China. Guests also received special gift packages with selected domestic products.
The event concluded with a gala dinner and a cultural program featuring musicians from the Music Academy of East Sarajevo, as well as performers of traditional music from China and Romania, further strengthening the message of unity and cultural connection.
This manifestation is part of a series of activities organized by the BiH Embassy in China to mark the 30th anniversary of diplomatic relations between BiH and China, reaffirming commitment to deepening bilateral ties through culture, tourism, and economy.
Source: RTRS
