Kewichow Moutai Co, China's biggest liquor maker by market value, said it plans to spend 1.46 billion yuan (US$212 million) to boost production of its fiery spirit that is served by the Chinese government at state banquets.

The Guizhou Province-based liquor maker aims to increase annual output by 2,000 tons, it said yesterday in a statement to the Shanghai Stock Exchange.

(Shanghai Daily December 5, 2008)