Photo: Chen Ri, Deputy major of Luzhou Municipal People's Government delivers a speech.
BEIJING, Mar. 23 (Xinhua) -- The 3rd National Sommelier Competition with the theme of “tasting alcohol, competing for the top”, kicked off in Luzhou of southwest China’s Sichuan Province on Thursday under the sponsorship of Sichuan Development Base Liquor Fund.
As one of the most important parts of 2018 China International Alcoholic Drinks Expo (CIADE 2018), the event has attracted 137 elite sommeliers throughout the country.
The two-day event includes 13 rounds of competition. All the questions should be answered on computer. Winners will be selected according to total score.
“As industrial development calls for talents, the local government has attached great importance to baijiu-making industry and talent cultivation, and strengthened its efforts in talent introduction and training,” said Chen Ri, deputy mayor of Luzhou Municipal People's Government.
Song Shuyu, vice chairman and secretary-general of China Alcoholic Drinks Association (CADA), noted that the competition is of great significance to carrying forward the spirit of model workers and craftsmanship, promoting the sound development of alcoholic industry through technical innovation, and enhancing cultural cohesion.
According to Chen, the 2018 competition has improved in terms of regional influence, professionalism of competitors and engagement of young experts. The baijiu production areas involved in the competition have extended from Sichuan, Guizhou and Shandong to Jiangsu, Shaanxi, Anhui, Hubei and other areas. The number of competitors has increased by 17 percent from last year. Competitors under 35 years old have accounted for 29 percent of the total.
The competition, hosted by CADA, has been held successfully in Luzhou for two consecutive years. Under the principle of fairness, justness and openness, it is dedicated to promoting technical exchanges, improving professional skills and boosting innovation in alcoholic industry. (Edited by Zhang Yuan, zhangyuan11@xinhua.org)
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