Yan Jiangying, Chairperson of China Association of Fragrance Flavour and Cosmetic Industries, attended the ceremony and delivered a speech
date:2023-12-19 15:36:37      hits:
The 5th Belt and Road Women’s Forum successfully convened in Sanya, Hainan from December 6-8. Co-hosted by the Chinese People’s Association for Friendship with Foreign Countries, the All-China Federation of Returned Overseas Chinese, and the UN Resident Coordinator Office in China, and jointly organized by the People’s Government of Sanya City, the China Friendship Foundation for Peace and Development, and the Secretariat of the Belt and Road Women’s Forum. Yan Jiangying, Chairperson of China Association of Fragrance Flavour and Cosmetic Industries, attended the ceremony and delivered a speech.
 
Yan Jiangying, Chairperson of China Association of Fragrance Flavour and Cosmetic Industries, attended the opening ceremony and delivered a speech 

I’m delighted to be invited to this forum today, where the entire venue is brimming with beauty. Our exquisite makeup and beautiful attire allow us to experience a world of beauty, and the theme ‘She Power: Jointly Building and Sharing a Beautiful Life’ is particularly fitting. On this occasion, I would like to introduce the development of China’s cosmetics industry and how this beautiful industry serves everyone.
 
Reflecting on the beauty industry, we find its earliest records in the ‘Book of Songs’ from Chinese history. The influence of makeup on life is evident throughout history - from ancient times, through the modern era, and into the new age. We categorize the development of China’s cosmetics industry into four periods: ancient times (before 1820), modern times (1820-1949), contemporary times (1949-2020), and the new era (post-18th National Congress of the Communist Party of China), which marks the most flourishing period for China’s cosmetics industry.
 
This opportune moment arises from President Xi Jinping's statement that people’s aspiration for a better life is our goal. For the first time, cosmetics are included in our national Five-Year Plan, underlining their significance. Additionally, the establishment of a Department of Cosmetics Regulation within the National Medical Products Administration, where I served as Deputy Director before becoming its head, marks a first in government organization.
 
China’s cosmetics industry has seen remarkable growth. By the end of 2022, there were over 5,000 cosmetic companies, a 4.79% increase year-over-year. The variety of cosmetics continues to expand, meeting the diverse needs of consumers, including men, as the market for male cosmetics thrives. Our exports have consistently increased, reflecting global recognition of Chinese cosmetics’ quality.
 
Returning to today’s theme of ‘She Power,’ we consider what this entails. One aspect is innovation. Zhao Yan of Bloomage Biotech, a representative of innovation, has advanced Chinese cosmetic raw material technology from animal and plant extraction to synthetic biology. Hyaluronic acid, once a luxury, is now accessible to the masses thanks to Bloomage Biotech, improving skin hydration for many.
 
Another aspect is the use of Chinese herbal ingredients in cosmetics, exemplified by Inoherb’s Feng Shuai, who applies modern technology to extract high-quality ingredients from Chinese plants, creating successful products like the Rhodiola, Camellia, and White Willow series.
 
Technological strength is also crucial. Yatsen Holding Ltd.’s Cheng Jing, a former executive at Estée Lauder and educated in the field, has introduced innovations like bionic lipstick for comfortable wear.
 
PROYA Chief Scientist Wei Xiaolan, joined the PROYA, so the PROYA products in the scientific and technological content of the above have a big boost, we look through her development of core products and new production lines, including her basic research and product development, including clinical trials and scientific and technological trials, so that consumers have a high degree of trust in her products. This year's ‘Double Eleven’ PROYA’s products are also the first time that our domestic brands exceeded the international brands, PROYA exceeded L'Oreal, so our Chinese brands are full of confidence, and confidence Is the strength of science and technology.
 
Now let’s turn our attention to the chief scientist, Ms. He Li, who has a background in dermatology. Given that the skin is the largest organ of the human body and a significant indicator of health, maintaining its health is crucial. It’s not just about treating skin when it’s ill, but protecting it before damage occurs, and that’s where skincare products play a significant role.
 
Ms. He has pioneered research in the probability and classification of sensitive skin, providing a basis for selecting better skincare products for those with sensitive skin. She has also elucidated the mechanism behind the development of melasma, a type of skin hyperpigmentation, and her findings have been published in renowned international journals. Her research on skin damage reactions and the accumulation of melanin leading to melasma is groundbreaking.
 
The integration of scientific evidence into skincare products has led to the creation of notable products, such as those developed by Winona through collaborative efforts involving industry, academia, and research. This achievement was highlighted in the publications of the three scientists mentioned earlier.
 
Additionally, the concept of ‘craftsmanship’ is vital in creating quality cosmetics. Beyond just technological and innovative prowess, it requires a dedication to mastering every aspect of production. A prime example of this dedication is Ms. Zhang, who has spent 53 years studying fragrance formulations and has been honored with the title of a national-level master craftsman. Her persistent efforts have ensured that the research outcomes in cosmetics translate into superior products for consumers. She leads a team that significantly contributes to the development and composition of fragrances and essences for our country, exemplifying the vital role of skilled artisans in the cosmetics industry.          
 
Additionally, I’d like to speak about leadership. Without effective leadership, the potential of any enterprise cannot be fully realized. A prime example of such leadership is Ms. Wu Zhiqing. Her products have gained recognition not only in our country but also in Southeast Asia and Australia. Ms. Wu has diligently worked in this industry for over thirty years. Her contributions extend beyond leading in the cosmetic industry; she has also brought love to left-behind children and linked industry with employment for farmers, aiding poverty alleviation in Gansu province. Her leadership reflects not only in industry but also in social responsibility, including sustainable and smart development in cosmetics. Under her guidance, her company, Huanya Group, has secured 201 patents, making it a standout national brand in the cosmetics industry. Moreover, Huanya Group’s innovation in sustainable development, like their silicone-free shampoo, demonstrates a commitment to environmental friendliness. Ms. Wu’s international expansion, including a significant investment in Australia, is another testament to her leadership, reflecting the global reach of Chinese cosmetics. A notable feature of Huan Ya under Ms. Wu’s leadership is that 70% of their R&D personnel are women, with a similar percentage of their core achievements driven by women, highlighting the significant ‘She Power.’
 
Another aspect of ‘She Power’ is international influence, exemplified by L'Oréal's Lan Zhenzhen. She is a prominent figure in international exchanges and was honored with the Shanghai Magnolia Award for her contributions. The achievements of women in international exchanges are not limited to Lan Zhenzhen; they also include women from Shiseido, Estée Lauder, and other Chinese women making significant contributions.
 
Additionally, the power of communication is essential. For instance, Ms. Deng from ‘Cosmetics Observer’ has been dedicated to promoting cosmetics for 16 years, including training young communicators.
 
All these efforts are related to regulatory power. Without compliance, no progress can be sustained. Since 2018, when I started overseeing cosmetics regulation, our team, along with universities and industry professionals, drafted China's cosmetics supervision, and management regulations, as well as dozens of departmental rules and normative documents. This regulatory framework has enabled the Chinese cosmetics industry to innovate while ensuring quality, leading to the approval of nearly a hundred new ingredients since 2021. This legal foundation is fundamental for long-term success.
 
Education is also crucial. Several Chinese universities have made cosmetics a significant academic discipline, supplying our industry with highly skilled professionals, including doctoral, master's, and bachelor's graduates. A prominent representative of this educational power is a university president in Shanghai.
 
To sum up, ‘She Power’ can be broken down into innovation, technology, craftsmanship, leadership, international influence, communication, education, and regulatory power. Only when ‘She Power’ is reflected in these specific areas can it contribute to high-quality development and a more beautiful and better world. Thank you, everyone!


The theme of the forum, ‘She Power: Jointly Building and Sharing a Beautiful Life,’ reflects a focus on women’s unique contributions and empowerment within the context of the Belt and Road Initiative. Organized by the Chinese People’s Association for Friendship with Foreign Countries, the All-China Federation of Returned Overseas Chinese, and the All-China Youth Federation, along with the People’s Government of Sanya City leadership, the forum brought together over 400 participants. These included the First Lady of Guyana, representatives from the United Nations, Nobel laureates in Physiology or Medicine, and ambassadors from Kyrgyzstan, Zambia, Maldives, Switzerland, Nepal, Guyana, Uganda, Mozambique, and various other countries, along with national and international business representatives.
 
During the forum, in-depth discussions and exchanges took place around the theme. Guests shared insights on the distinctive role played by women in the ten years since the Belt and Road Initiative was launched. They highlighted the substantial achievements of women and looked forward to the future of the initiative, advocating for women’s empowerment to foster common development and prosperity in human society.
 
2023 marks the tenth anniversary of the Belt and Road Initiative. Over the past decade, the Belt and Road Women’s Forum has been instrumental in showcasing the unique role of women in the development of the Belt and Road Initiative, promoting comprehensive and sustainable development for women, and enhancing people-to-people connections among the participating countries. The forum has successfully established a platform for communication and collaboration among women across the Belt and Road countries, building bridges for mutual understanding and cooperation.