The North American Meat Institute (NAMI) and the Chinese Society of Inspection and Quarantine (CSIQ) signed an agreement this month that will strengthen their technology exchanges and cooperation in inspections and quarantines at the local and national level.

“This newly formed partnership is consistent with the institute’s long-standing philosophy that food safety should be a non-competitive issue,” says Dave McDonald, NAMI chairman. “We both know there is a time to compete against one another—that makes both of us better and stronger. But there is also a time when cooperation should trump competition, and that is when it comes to food safety.”

Both parties will also share information concerning regulatory and scientific developments that can impact their members and distribute this information when appropriate. They will meet periodically to discuss additional ways they could mutually benefit each other’s members.

CSIQ is approved by the State Council of the People’s Republic of China, registered by the Ministry of Civil Affairs and supported by General Administration of Quality Supervision, Inspection and Quarantine of the People’s Republic of China (AQSIQ). CSIQ is a national, nonprofit, voluntary organization that aims to promote academic communication and technical cooperation, advocates national high-tech inspection development and seeks to enhance the performance and level of inspections.

 “Our nations individually have some of the best minds in science and technology and food technology in particular,” McDonald says. “Separately, we are leaders, but working together, we can become exceptional leaders. In fact, we can help create a new global path.”

 NAMI Senior Vice President of International Trade William Westman will serve as the liaison for the newly formed partnership. NAMI is a founding member of the U.S.-China Agriculture and Food Partnership.