Yili Shines at the Second CISCE: The China Dairy Industry Supply Chain Sustainable Development Report Released

CRI Online (Reporter: Han Donglin): As globalization and economic integration deepen, supply chain management has become a critical driver of global economic development. Supply chains not only determine the competitiveness of enterprises but also affect national economic security and sustainable development. President Xi Jinping has emphasized that to safeguard China's industrial and national security, it is crucial to focus on building independent, secure, and reliable industrial and supply chains. On November 26, the highly anticipated 2024 China International Supply Chain Expo (CISCE) opened in Beijing. This year's event highlighted cutting-edge trends in the supply chain field, showcasing a series of innovative achievements and drawing exhibitors and visitors from around the world.

Event site

That afternoon, the "Global Chain, Shared Gains: Yili's Future Vision" launch event for the China Dairy Industry Supply Chain Sustainable Development Report was held at Yili's booth in the Green Agriculture Exhibition Area of the China International Exhibition Center (Shunyi Venue). The event was jointly organized by Yili Group and CRI Online.

Distinguished guests included Fan Jianping, President of CRI Online; Jin Shuqin, Deputy Director of the Rural Economy Research Center of the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs; Tetsuya Mashima, Counsellor of the Economic Section of the Japanese Embassy in China; Tong Xianguo, former Counsellor of the Department of International Organizations and Conferences of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and former Counsellor of the Permanent Mission of China to the World Trade Organization; Ji Weimin, Deputy Director of the Institute of Industrial Economics at the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences (CASS), President and Editor-in-Chief of China Business Journal; Chris Pereira (Peng Jiarong), Founder and CEO of iMpact; and Xu Ke, Vice President of Yili Group. The event also welcomed an international observation group comprising over 50 participants, including business professionals in China, international media, and overseas students.

Bringing together global wisdom for sustainable development

Xu Ke, Vice President of Yili Group

The event commenced with opening remarks from the host, followed by a speech from Xu Ke, Vice President of Yili Group. Xu highlighted that China's dairy industry has entered a new phase of development, with its supply chain system undergoing rapid iteration and profound transformation. As an industry leader, Yili recognizes that sustainable development is not only a long-term responsibility of enterprises but also a shared value pursuit across the sector. Over the years, Yili has actively explored global supply chain integration, innovation system construction, digital transformation, and green development. Committed to leading and driving the sustainable development of China’s dairy supply chain, Yili strives to enhance the stability and sustainability of the dairy supply chain as a whole.

Fan Jianping, President of CRI Online

Fan Jianping, President of CRI Online, then addressed the role and influence of international communication in promoting the sustainable development of global supply chains. He emphasized that in an era of deep economic integration, the stability and development of industrial and supply chains are critical to sustaining economic growth and ensuring national security worldwide. Fan underscored the need for enterprises to integrate green concepts into supply chain management by reducing carbon emissions, promoting resource recycling, and ensuring sustainable development of the supply chain. He mentioned that CRI Online has consistently committed itself to promoting and interpreting the concept of sustainable development while informing the public about corporate social responsibility practices. Since 2020, CRI Online has successively organized events such as the "Global Corporate Social Responsibility Case Exhibition" and the "Global Corporate Sustainable Development Case Exhibition," which have been successfully held for four editions. In addition, CRI Online has been actively building an empowerment platform for businesses going global, providing services to numerous companies. CRI Online is willing to continue collaborating with various industries to support enterprises in achieving deeper and more practical progress in sustainable development.

Ji Weimin, Deputy Director of the Institute of Industrial Economics at the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences, President, and Editor-in-Chief of China Business Journal

Subsequently, Ji Weimin, Deputy Director of the Institute of Industrial Economics at the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences, President, and Editor-in-Chief of China Business Journal, delivered a keynote speech. He emphasized that the "14th Five-Year Plan" explicitly proposes improving the modernization level of industrial and supply chains, implementing strategic supply chain designs tailored to various industries, and promoting the comprehensive optimization and upgrading of entire industrial chains. To achieve sustainable development, all links in the dairy supply chain are actively exploring innovation and improvements. From policy support to technological innovation, environmental practices to talent cultivation, the entire industry is striving to build a more efficient, eco-friendly, and healthy production and sales system. With Yili as the case study, the report, the first on the sustainable supply chain development of the dairy industry, fully exemplifies this effort. It systematically showcases Yili Group's pioneering initiatives and achievements in driving innovation, digitalization, and green development across the global supply chain. Ji expressed confidence that under the leadership of Yili Group, China’s dairy enterprises will continue advancing the sustainable development of supply chains, propelling the Chinese dairy industry and its supply chain into the ranks of world-class excellence.

Tong Xianguo, Former Counsellor of the Department of International Organizations and Conferences of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and Former Counsellor of the Permanent Mission of China to the WTO

After Ji’s speech, Tong Xianguo, Former Counsellor of the Department of International Organizations and Conferences of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and Former Counsellor of the Permanent Mission of China to the WTO, delivered a keynote address titled The Positive Role of International Organizations in Promoting the Green Economy. "Policy environment, technological innovation, and talent cultivation are the three key factors for advancing sustainable development," he remarked. Using the China Dairy Industry Supply Chain Sustainable Development Report as an example, Tong highlighted the close relationship between green growth and sustainable development. "The report accurately assesses the development of China's dairy industry, recognizing its remarkable progress in production and quality while addressing the new challenges posed by environmental protection, health, regulations, and social responsibilities." Drawing on his extensive experience, Tong provided an in-depth analysis of the role international organizations play in fostering global green economic development. He also commended Yili Group’s exemplary efforts in promoting sustainability within the dairy industry. Tong called for increased policy support and technological innovation to achieve the goal of global green growth.

As China’s economy develops rapidly and its international influence continues to rise, more Chinese enterprises are venturing overseas to seek broader markets and greater opportunities. However, international expansion is not without challenges, including cultural differences, legal and regulatory hurdles, and market competition. Against this backdrop, the sustainable development of supply chains becomes particularly critical for Chinese companies entering global markets.

Chris Pereira (Peng Jiarong), Founder and CEO of iMpact

Chris Pereira, founder and CEO of iMpact, shared his insights on the challenges, opportunities, and goals of globalizing China’s dairy industry, drawing from his extensive experience in supporting Chinese companies' international ventures. He noted that the Chinese dairy industry has undergone transformative changes, evolving from its nascent stages to becoming the world’s second-largest dairy market. China’s rapid economic growth and large population base have provided robust support for the industry’s development and market penetration. As a sector closely tied to human health and well-being, the dairy industry is entering a new stage of development, facing new changes and challenges. Pereira emphasized that global dairy players must focus on "collaboration, innovation, digitalization, and green development" to accelerate the creation of resilient industrial chains and achieve high-quality growth. He highlighted key challenges for Chinese dairy enterprises going global, including establishing a strong international brand image, addressing trust issues surrounding food safety, and building corporate reputations. At the same time, economies of scale, technological innovation, and comprehensive supply chains present significant opportunities for Chinese dairy enterprises to expand globally.

Injecting Chinese Strength to Drive Global Dairy Sustainability

Launch Ceremony of the China Dairy Industry Supply Chain Sustainable Development Report

The launch ceremony of the China Dairy Industry Supply Chain Sustainable Development Report marked the climax of the event. Dignitaries and guests joined the stage to witness this historic moment together. Wu Haijun, Associate Research Fellow at the Institute of Industrial Economics at the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences, delivered an in-depth interpretation of the report.

Wu Haijun, Associate Research Fellow at the Institute of Industrial Economics at the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences

Wu highlighted two key aspects of the report's significance: First, it provides scientific guidance and practical references for the sustainable development of China’s dairy supply chain. Second, it contributes Chinese wisdom and solutions to the sustainable development of global dairy supply chains. The report systematically reviews and analyzes the current state and challenges of China’s dairy supply chain and proposes actionable strategies for sustainable development. These strategies span multiple dimensions, including policy support, technological innovation, and green, low-carbon development, while emphasizing collaboration and information sharing across all supply chain segments. The findings not only enhance the competitiveness and sustainability of China’s dairy supply chain but also serve as a model and guiding force for the sustainable development of global dairy supply chains. Wu urged China’s dairy industry to adopt a global perspective, integrate top-tier resources, fuse innovative insights, deepen international cooperation, and actively expand into global markets. By steadily advancing its international footprint, China’s dairy industry can promote high-quality supply chain development and deliver superior products and services to global consumers, opening a new chapter for the sector.

Group photo of guests

The China Dairy Industry Supply Chain Sustainable Development Report, authored by experts from the Institute of Industrial Economics at the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences, elaborates on the current status and necessity of sustainable development in China’s dairy supply chain. Drawing on Yili Group’s practices, the report showcases successful experiences in global expansion, supply chain innovation systems, digital transformation, and green development, offering valuable insights for the industry.

Looking ahead, China’s dairy supply chain is poised for broader development opportunities and a brighter future. As a key example of sustainable supply chain practices, Yili Group reaffirmed its commitment to the philosophy of "depth over speed, industry prosperity over individual glory, and social value over commercial wealth." The company expressed its intent to collaborate with all stakeholders to jointly create a new chapter for China’s dairy industry.

The report underscores the significant achievements in production and quality within China’s dairy sector, laying a solid foundation for its sustainable development. It not only provides valuable experiences and insights for the global dairy industry but also offers Chinese wisdom and solutions for global sustainability. Through cooperation with international organizations and global enterprises, China’s dairy industry is set to play an increasingly important role in the global dairy landscape, advancing the sustainable development of the sector to new heights.