Chef Ilyes Levente from Odorheiu Secuiesc will represent Harghita County at the second edition of the World Gastronomy Summit, taking place October 14 - 17 in Ecuador's Manabí province, the 'Visit Harghita' Intercommunity Development Association announced on Tuesday.

The young chef was selected following an open call launched by Visit Harghita, which received 23 applications.

According to the association, applicants included university staff, students, chefs and entrepreneurs active in the field of gastronomy. The evaluation considered the candidates' age, education and professional experience in gastronomy, English-language skills, motivation, and how they intend to use the international experience once returning to Romania.

According to a press release, the theme of this year's World Gastronomy Summit is supporting young people through gastronomy and expanding their opportunities. The international event brings together chefs, producers, entrepreneurs, researchers, academics and decision-makers from various regions of the world to discuss the role of gastronomy in developing local economies and communities. Key topics include the preservation of gastronomic and culinary heritage, strengthening local food systems, innovation, sustainability, and the entrepreneurial and employment opportunities offered by the gastronomic sector.

Harghita's participation is considered significant, as the county will hold the title of European Region of Gastronomy in 2027.

'Participation in the summit gives the selected young chef the opportunity to present Harghita County's gastronomic values in an international context, while gaining direct experience on the links between gastronomy, local food systems, cultural heritage and sustainable development. Attendance also strengthens Harghita's international visibility and positioning, and offers opportunities to build new contacts and discover best practices implemented in other regions. The experiences and relationships gained in Ecuador may contribute, in the long term, to the county's gastronomic development, as best practices identified there can be applied in local initiatives,' the statement added.

The association also stressed that participation is meant to enhance Harghita's international visibility, facilitate new contacts and help identify best practices that could later be used in local gastronomic initiatives.

Representatives of Visit Harghita noted that one of the key objectives of the European Region of Gastronomy 2027 programme, run by the Harghita County Council and the Intercommunity Development Association Harghita, is to promote gastronomy not only as a tourism offering, but also as an important tool for developing local communities and the economy, preserving cultural heritage and supporting sustainable development. The summit in Manabí provides new opportunities for international exchange and partnership building.

The second edition of the World Gastronomy Summit is organised by the International Institute of Gastronomy, Culture, Arts and Tourism (IGCAT) in cooperation with the Government of Manabí Province, which holds the title of World Region of Gastronomy this year. AGERPRES (RO - writing by: Oana Malina Negrea; EN - writing by: Simona Klodnischi)

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