The World Association of Chinese Cuisine, a key organization in China's catering industry, has changed its name to World Federation of China Catering Industry, to highlight its vision of promoting Chinese cuisine around the world and helping Chinese catering companies expand overseas.

"Food has no borders, and it is one of the most important things in people’s lives. Chinese cuisine has long been an important part of its culture," said Yang Liu, chairperson of the federation.

"As the Chinese economic grows and people's lives improve, our government is paying more attention to the development and promotion of Chinese cuisine. By changing the organization's name, we are determined to better serve Chinese cuisine companies, better help them utilize resources and promote Chinese cuisine overseas."

There are more than 400,000 Chinese restaurants outside China, of which 50,000 are in the United States, but most Chinese cuisine companies abroad are small and are weak when it comes to management and brand-building, said Yang.

The federation has initiated a series of events and campaigns over the years to promote Chinese cuisine, such as holding family dinners abroad on the eve of the Spring Festival. And it will continue to organize more events and campaigns to promote Chinese cuisine in the future, she said.

Meanwhile, the federation has signed a long-term cooperation agreement with Nankai University, a key educational institution in China, and some leading Chinese companies, such as Lee Kum Kee.

Top officials from the culture and commerce sectors, as well as representatives from foreign embassies in China attended a media briefing on Wednesday in the China Great Hall Hotel where the organization's name-change was announced.

The organization, which was founded in 1991, now has more than 500 member units in more than 40 countries and regions.

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