"The beverage expo is not only an event for Guizhou, but a global event," said Meng Qiliang, vice-governor of Guizhou province, at a press conference of the fourth China-Guizhou International Alcoholic Beverages Expo on September 2.
Drawing upon the last three years of the beverages expo, Meng told the media this year's expo represents globalization.
"So far as I know, there are 1,400 companies attending the expo. A total of 902 of them are overseas companies, including companies from Italy, Spain, France, Portugal, Australia, the US and Mexico. Many politicians and VIPs are also joining the expo," Meng said.
"Guizhou has established the first liquor exchange in China. It aims to solve liquor companies' financing problems through methods of futures purchasing. During this process, the liquor itself serves as the futures. Outside of financial derivatives, we are also seeking innovations in the liquor buying-selling process," said Meng.
The expo this year has put focus on globalization by establishing the international liquor association. The association is jointly organized by the China Alcoholic Drinks Association and China National Association for Liquor and Spirits Circulation. It has received support from as many as 100 liquor associations from home and abroad, including liquor promotion associations based in Germany, Australia and Italy.
Talking about the newly-established liquor association, Meng said,"I hope the association can link the world’s wine products and develop into an internationally recognized association. I would suggest that it select one chairman from a member country to be on duty each year, thus creating an international association through global interaction. Certainly, Guizhou shall put more effort into this expo, as it is a very good platform to help white wine products in Guizhou go out."
The white wine industry is one of the five major industries in Guizhou. The expo has set good foundations for the development of Guizhou’s white wine industry.
"Setting standards is both important for nations and companies," Meng said. "Moutai, as a Guizhou brand with a long history, is a good example when talking about setting a standard."
Guizhou is currently building a white wine research center to conduct research on different nation's wine culture, wine habits and wine varieties.
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The overseas wine exhibition booths in previous China-Guizhou International Alcoholic Beverages Expos. [Photo/chinadaily.com.cn] |
