Representatives of APEV (The Association of Wine Producers and Exporters of Romania) and leaders of the Yantai Wine Industry Chain have signed a Memorandum of Cooperation, according to a press release issued by APEV Romania.
Romanian–Chinese Cooperation in the Wine Industry: The Yantai Delegation Meets APEV Romania
BUCHAREST, October 30, 2025 – A landmark event for the development of bilateral relations in the wine sector took place on October 23, 2025, at the headquarters of the Association of Wine Producers and Exporters of Romania (APEV Romania). A high-level Chinese delegation, led by Mr. Yu Yongxin, Chairman of the Yantai Committee of the Chinese People’s Political Consultative Conference and head of Yantai’s wine industry chain, held a strategic meeting with representatives of Romania’s largest wine industry association.
The Chinese delegation’s visit, facilitated by Mr. Robert Mitrofan, Chief Representative in China for Business Romania, was hosted by Mr. Mihnea Olariu, President of APEV Romania, and Mr. Alin Lăzărescu, CEO of Vintruvian Group and Vice President of APEV.
Memorandum of Understanding and Vision for Collaboration
The highlight of the event was the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) for strategic cooperation between Changyu Group – the oldest and most influential wine producer in China – and Vintruvian Group.
During the discussions, the Chinese side expressed a strong interest in Romanian indigenous white grape varieties, particularly Feteasca Albă and Feteasca Regală. Mr. Zhou Hongjiang, Chairman of Changyu Group, emphasized that the development of white wine production in Romania aligns perfectly with Changyu’s product strategy and with the global trend toward white wine consumption.
Mr. Yu Yongxin reaffirmed the commitment to building a new bridge of cooperation between the wine industries of the two countries, based on three main pillars:
1. Technological and Trade Development: Promoting broad cooperation along the entire industry chain—from the exchange of advanced winemaking and grape cultivation technologies to the reciprocal export of products—seeking market complementarity.
2. Foreign Investment: Encouraging renowned Romanian wineries to invest in and establish production facilities in Yantai, the only International City of Grapes and Wine in Asia.
3. High-Level Trust: Deepening industrial collaboration and technological exchange between Yantai and Bucharest.
As a gesture of recognition for his promotional efforts, Mr. Yu Yongxin presented Mr. Mihnea Olariu, President of APEV, with a Letter of Appointment as Promotion Ambassador for the Yantai Wine Region.
In conclusion, Changyu Group extended an official invitation to the APEV Romania leadership to visit Yantai and the Changyu company, to further discuss project feasibility and to foster a shift from simple product trade to the coordinated development of the entire wine industry chain.
About APEV Romania
APEV Romania is the leading force in Romania’s wine industry, bringing together over 40 key wineries and accounting for 80% of the country’s total wine export volume.
About Yantai, China
Yantai is the birthplace of China’s wine industry and the only International City of Grapes and Wine in Asia.
