"Promoting the internationalization of baijiu is not only an essential path for industrial upgrading but also a key measure to enhance cultural soft power and serve national strategies."

On March 4, the third session of the 14th National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC) opened in Beijing, marking the official start of the annual "Two Sessions" period. As an important component of the national economy, the high-quality development of the liquor industry has once again become a focal point for proposals and suggestions from representatives and committee members.

What new ideas and expectations does the liquor industry have for this year's "Two Sessions"? What suggestions and measures will the National People's Congress representatives and CPPCC members bring forward?

Sohu Liquor Industry has compiled the "Two Sessions Voices" from the liquor industry based on official announcements from liquor companies and public reports.

"Promoting the internationalization of baijiu is not only an essential path for industrial upgrading but also a key measure to enhance cultural soft power and serve national strategies," said Liang Jinhui, a National People's Congress representative and Secretary of the Party Committee and Chairman of Gujing Group, in a recent media interview.

Liang Jinhui noted that in 2024, China's baijiu exports accounted for less than 1% of domestic baijiu production, and there remains a significant gap between export value and the import value of spirits.

Data shows that in 2024, China's baijiu export volume was 16,400 kiloliters, a year-on-year increase of 6.3%, accounting for approximately 0.4% of the domestic baijiu production that year.

According to data from the China Chamber of Commerce for Import and Export of Foodstuffs, Native Produce and Animal By-Products, the total export value of Chinese alcoholic beverages in 2024 was $966 million, while the total import value of spirits was $2.125 billion.

To promote the globalization of Chinese baijiu, Liang Jinhui proposed several specific measures during this year's National Two Sessions, focusing on baijiu standards and tariff policies.

First, support industry associations in organizing leading enterprises to accelerate the formulation of international standards for Chinese baijiu, building a standard system suitable for international trade.

Second, strengthen communication and coordination with major spirits-producing countries, actively participate in international standard negotiations, and enhance the voice of Chinese baijiu in the formulation of international spirits standards.

Third, have the state take the lead in optimizing international liquor trade rules, making baijiu an important category in international trade negotiations, and strive for more favorable tariff arrangements to improve overseas consumers' acceptance of Chinese baijiu prices.

Fourth, actively promote the establishment of a platform involving multiple departments such as standards, culture, commerce, customs, entry-exit inspection, and industry associations, to formulate a series of preferential policies for baijiu exports, helping Chinese baijiu go global.

Fifth, include baijiu in the priority areas of the "Made in China" and "Chinese Brand" global initiatives, assisting Chinese baijiu in transitioning from a "national treasure" to a "world-renowned liquor."