The Wine & Spirit Education Trust (WSET)has announced that it has finally received approval from the Chinese government to resume its operation in mainland China after a year of suspension.

In a press release, WSET said it has received official approval to set up a Representative Office as an overseas non-government organization (ONGO) and can therefore resume its business operations in China.

The office is headed by former head of Wine Australia’s Greater China department, Willa Yang, and WSET courses and exams will restart following the Chinese New Year holiday period in February.

Over the last 11 months, WSET has worked hard to meet the requirements for resuming business and has remained committed to the Chinese market, which is one of its top markets.

China for years ranked as one of WSET’s biggest markets for wine, spirits and sake education. It is ranked as the education provider’s 4th biggest market in the 2020-2021 academic year and it has over 170 approved program providers in the country.