Cross River lawmaker, Hon Brian Odey, attends China Seminar on Alcoholic Beverage Regulation

The member representing Yala 1 State Constituency in the Cross River State House of Assembly and Chairman of the House Committee on Public Accounts, Hon Brian Odey, is currently in Beijing, China, for a two-week international seminar on alcoholic beverage regulation and standards harmonisation.

The programme, which began on August 21 and will run until September 3, 2025, is organised by the Chinese government under the Ministry of Commerce of the People’s Republic of China.

It is hosted by the China National Research Institute of Food and Fermentation Industries Corporation as part of China Aid’s initiative themed “For a Shared Future.”

Delegates from eight countries are participating in the seminar. They include representatives from Nigeria, Armenia, Laos, Latvia, Tanzania, Thailand, Lesotho, and Cuba.

The training focuses on international cooperation in the regulation of alcoholic beverages, harmonisation of standards across borders, and the role of such policies in promoting trade, consumer safety, and public health.

Speaking ahead of the programme, Hon Odey noted that the seminar presents an opportunity for Nigeria, and particularly Cross River State, to gain deeper insights into international best practices in beverage regulation.

He stressed that knowledge shared during the event would be useful in strengthening Nigeria’s regulatory framework and ensuring that local industries align with global standards.

“This programme is not only about regulating alcoholic beverages but also about understanding how countries can work together in setting standards that promote trade, protect consumers, and encourage innovation in the industry,” he said.

Observers believe the seminar could also open doors for bilateral cooperation and investment opportunities between Nigeria and China, particularly in agriculture, food technology, and small-scale beverage production.