China reiterated its commitment to deepening economic cooperation with Eurasian countries at the opening ceremony of the Eighth China-Eurasia Expo in Urumqi, capital of the Xinjiang Uygur autonomous region, on Wednesday.
Gao Yunlong, a vice-chairman of the National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference and chairman of the All-China Federation of Industry and Commerce, highlighted China's ongoing efforts to broaden areas of cooperation and elevate the quality of partnerships with Eurasian economies. He emphasized the role of Xinjiang as a key player in that strategy.
"As a golden corridor between Asia and Europe and a bridgehead for China's westward opening, Xinjiang has made positive progress in promoting the construction of the core area of the Silk Road Economic Belt in recent years," Gao said. "The Xinjiang Pilot Free Trade Zone has been launched, and cooperation with Eurasian countries, especially Central Asian countries, has become increasingly extensive."
Representatives from participating countries expressed optimism about the potential of the expo, which brings together businesses and government officials from across the region.
Urmat Takirov, director of the Kyrgyz Export Center run by Kyrgyzstan's Ministry of Economy and Commerce, highlighted its significance.
"This is a good opportunity for us to promote our products to the Chinese market through Xinjiang," Takirov said. "Xinjiang is located in the connecting position of Central Asian countries and China. In the near future, Xinjiang can play a bigger role in advancing relations between China and Eurasia."
Daria Vereschagina, an exhibitor from Uzbekistan, highlighted Xinjiang's strategic importance. "Xinjiang plays an important role as a land bridge, and we hope to carry our art products through freight trains more easily," Vereschagina said.
