site.btaBulgaria First to Submit Application for Hosting World Congress of Vine and Wine in 2017

Bulgaria First to Submit Application for Hosting World Congress of  Vine and Wine in 2017

Paris, March 4 (BTA) - Bulgaria was the first country to submit an application for hosting the World Congress of Vine and Wine in 2017, it transpired from a meeting between Agriculture Minister Dessislava Taneva and the International Organization of Vine and Wine's (OIV) General Director, Jean-Marie Aurand, the Agriculture Ministry reported on Friday. During the meeting Taneva officially presented a letter, expressing Bulgaria's desire and readiness to organize and host the event.

The Bulgarian Agriculture Minister was in Paris on Thursday, where she visited the Bulgarian stand at the Paris International Agricultural Show (Salon International de l'Agriculture) 2016, which spans over 80 sq m. Bulgaris is represented by over 15 companies in the Show.

Taneva voiced her satisfaction with the excellent cooperation between her Ministry and the OIV. "We hope that this prestigious forum takes place in Bulgaria. This will be an exceptional opportunity to exchange experience, she said, adding that the Congress will allow Bulgaria to present itself as a good wine destination.

Aurand noted that Bulgaria is the first country to submit its proposal on paper. "We believe that the event will take place in your country," he said, stressing that Bulgaria has endless possibilities and such a presentation will allow more people convince themselves in that.

The 40th World Congress of Vine and Wine will take place next year, along with the 15th General Assembly of the OIV. It will be held over a period of eight days and will gather over 1,000 representatives from OIV member states. The event is attended by the international scientific community and administration, who are working in the sector, along with merchants and journalists. The policies and future development of the sector are discussed and defined during the event.
 
The OIV is an intergovernmental organisation of a scientific and technical nature of recognised competence for its works concerning vines, wine, wine-based beverages, table grapes, raisins and other vine-based products. Fourty-six different countries, 21 of which are EU Member States, are members of the Organisation.

Taneva and the Director General of the French national service for agricultural and marine products (FranceAgriMer), Eric Allain, signed an protocol for deepening cooperation between the two countries. The protocol is valid for a period of three years and will be renewed automatically after the deadline expires each time the two countries deem it necessary.