Zhang Zhili, Vice Minister of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, met with John Barker, Director General of the International Organisation of Vine and Wine (OIV), in Beijing on August 26. They exchanged views on deepening cooperation between the two sides.  

Vice Minister Zhang said that, as a new OIV member, China is actively fulfilling its obligations and has taken the initiative to apply to host the 47^th World Congress of Vine and Wine and OIV General Assembly. This reflects China’s strong commitment to further opening up at a high level and integrating more deeply into the global industry system, as well as its confidence in doing so. China stands ready to make every effort to ensure the success of the congress and hopes that the OIV will provide further support in strengthening China’s capacity to fulfill its obligations as an OIV member, promoting the development of China’s wine-producing regions, and expanding international cooperation and exchanges.  

Director General John Barker said that China’s accession provides important support for the OIV. He expressed the OIV’s readiness to use the upcoming congress as an opportunity to further strengthen cooperation with China, support China in better fulfilling its obligations, and help China play a greater role in the international vine and wine sector.