Ningxia wine leaders advocate international collaboration in France

"We should not only base ourselves on local customs and build beautiful production areas. We are also an important participant in the international grape and wine industry," said Zheng Zifeng, chairman of Ningxia Turandot Tourism Development, who returned from the 100th-anniversary celebration of the founding of the International Organization of Vine and Wine (OIV) in Dijon, France, on Wednesday.

The OIV, acclaimed as the international standard provider, was established in the French capital Paris, on Nov 29, 1924.

Last month, OIV officially announced acceptance of China's application to join the organization, increasing its number of members to 51 countries.

According to Zheng, China has garnered widespread anticipation among the existing OIV members since its entry. "Joining the OIV signifies that China is more than a major player in wine production. We are also a vital contributor to international cooperation and innovation," he remarked.

Hao Linhai, the founding chairman of the Ningxia Wine Federation, regards China's OIV membership as a "turning point" for the domestic wine industry. Hao won the OIV Merit Award in May 2017.

During the celebration in France, Zheng, Hao and other Chinese representatives visited the new OIV headquarters in Dijon. They also presented a commemorative gift marking the organization's 100th anniversary.

Hao emphasized the need to foster collaboration among China's diverse wine-producing regions, such as the Ningxia Hui autonomous region, Gansu province and the Xinjiang Uygur autonomous region, to elevate the industry.

Ningxia's Helan Mountain wine region is pivotal to China's vineyard development. China is promoting projects such as Ningxia's "Winemaking Grape All-in-One Park" in Turandot town, which will drive the growth of China's wine industry and fulfill its commitment to the global wine community.

Guo Yanqi contributed to this story.