Ningxia to host international wine expo in June

A major event will bring world-renowned reputable wineries, experts and officials to the Ningxia Hui autonomous region in June.

China's first national-level event focusing on wine, the International Conference on Grape and Wine Industries and the third China (Ningxia) International Wine Culture and Tourism Expo, will be held on June 9 and 10 in Yinchuan, the regional capital, officials said at a news conference in Beijing on Tuesday.

Agricultural ministers of 47 countries in the world's major wine-producing regions, diplomatic envoys to China from 14 countries, nine international wine organizations and other officials will participate in industrial summits and forums.

The event aims to deepen exchanges and collaboration among wine-producing regions globally, boost integrated development between the wine, culture and tourism industries, and promote the Helan Mountain wine brand in Ningxia, Lei Dongsheng, secretary-general of Ningxia, said at the conference.

"The theme of the event is nature, innovation, culture and ecology. The first letters spell the word 'nice', which symbolizes good feelings, experiences and a beautiful vision," Lei said, adding the region will use wine to show itself to the world and boost friendship.

Participants will also visit wine production areas at Helan Mountain, plant trees and release a proposal on the development of the grape and wine industry.

The event will be co-organized by the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology, the Ministry of Culture and Tourism, the Chinese People's Association for Friendship with Foreign Countries and the Ningxia government.