The World Qingtian Jamon Industry Development Center was launched on Nov 12 in Qingtian county – in Lishui city, in East China's Zhejiang province – at the opening ceremony of the 5th Overseas Chinese Imported Commodities Expo.

The center aims to promote the development of the Chinese market for jamon with the support of the local government and buyers. It was unveiled by Chen Guangming, chief engineer of Hangzhou Customs, and Pan Wei, county head of Qingtian.

Jamon, a type of cured ham from Spain, has become a popular delicacy among Chinese consumers in recent years.

Qingtian, a county with many overseas Chinese, has seized the opportunity and developed the largest jamon trading and distribution center in the province and the country.

Statistics show there are 40 jamon distributors and 300 import agents in the county. Annual sales there total about 200,000 pieces, generating revenue of 800 million yuan ($109.82 million), accounting for 80 percent of the national total.

Qingtian county has also introduced premium jamon slicing equipment from Spain and obtained the first national import ready-to-eat cured meat product processing production license.

The jamon slices can be sold as pre-packaged food at supermarkets, in malls, and via livestreaming platforms.

Officials said Qingtian would further leverage its overseas Chinese – particularly those in the imported jamon business. This would drive jamon consumption through open platforms such as the expo, helping to expand the county's share of the national market.