02/09/2026
At the opening of the Qingdao Pulses Congress, GPC President Vijay Iyengar highlighted the Global Pulse Confederation's role in supporting the international pulse trade through its national association and corporate members, as well as its ongoing engagement with the FAO, WFP, and the United Nations.
Among the key priorities outlined was the need for greater consistency in phytosanitary and import-export policies to help create a more predictable and efficient trading environment for the global pulse sector.
Mr. Iyengar also emphasised China's growing importance in the global pulses industry, both as a major importer and as a leader in protein and starch extraction technologies, creating significant opportunities across the value chain.
Another key focus was increasing pulse consumption worldwide. He encouraged food producers to incorporate more pulses into their product offerings and called on governments to give pulses greater prominence in national dietary guidelines.
With more than 300 delegates from over 30 countries, Qingdao once again demonstrated the truly global nature of GPC conferences, bringing together industry leaders to exchange ideas, strengthen partnerships, and help shape the future of the pulse sector.
Mr. Iyengar also announced that the next GPC conference, Pulses 27, will take place in Istanbul, Türkiye, from 3-6 May 2027.
