(BTA) - Bulgaria will host the 40th World Congress of Vine and Wine and the 15th General Assembly of the International Organization of Vine and Wine (OIV) in 2017, the Agriculture and Food Ministry said in a press release Sunday.

This prestigious forum in Bulgaria will be an advertisement not only of Bulgarian wine but also of the country as a wine producer. An event of this scale will also be an exceptional opportunity for exchanging experience and presenting Bulgaria as a good wine destination. Experts from around the world will come to this country to present their achievements, scientific and technical topics will be discussed and useful exchange of experience and innovations will take place, the press release reads.

The 40th Congress of Vine and Wine 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.