Huang Wei, a deputy to China's National People's Congress and mayor of Zunyi, Guizhou province, stated that enterprises should be encouraged to develop baijiu (Chinese spirits) suited to the tastes of international consumers during a group interview on Wednesday.

Huang noted that amid challenging market conditions in the baijiu industry, companies should research consumption patterns and structures of international markets, including Southeast, South and Central Asia.

He added that enterprises should be encouraged to develop products that meet these markets' diverse demands, shifting their focus from simply "selling liquor" to "promoting a lifestyle".

Zunyi is renowned nationwide for its bestselling baijiu and is home to leading brands such as Moutai.

"We will innovate our marketing strategies to expand both domestic and international markets, capitalizing on Hong Kong's adjustments to liquor tax policies. We aim to boost the industry's total output to more than 150 billion yuan ($20.7 billion) this year," Huang added.

Liu Boqian contributed to this story.