Urumqi hosts 9th China-Eurasia Expo as China stresses stability and regional partnership

China has highlighted stronger regional cooperation, expanding connectivity and shared development at the opening ceremony of the 9th China-Eurasia Expo in Urumqi, Xinjiang, while also warning that geopolitical tensions, regional conflicts and rising protectionism continue to challenge the global outlook.

Speaking at the opening ceremony, Ding Xuexiang, Member of the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee and Vice Premier of the State Council, said China and Eurasian countries should deepen synergy between development strategies, expand high-standard opening up and work together to build a more open and mutually beneficial regional economic and trade environment. He said the region has made notable progress in connectivity, digital trade, transport links and people-to-people exchanges, and urged countries to keep creating new opportunities for cooperation and growth.

Ding also noted that geopolitical conflicts, regional turmoil, unilateralism and power politics are increasing risks for the world economy. Even so, he framed the response in positive terms, saying the Silk Road spirit should guide countries in overcoming current challenges through solidarity and practical cooperation. He said Eurasian countries should work together to inject more stability and positive energy into development across the region and beyond.

He added that the aspirations of people across Eurasia for peace, prosperity and shared development are stronger than ever, and called for deeper policy coordination, stronger industrial synergy, and faster progress on high-standard opening up. He also said China will expand market access, import more quality products and widen two-way investment cooperation.

The Governor of the People’s Government of Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region also spoke at the opening ceremony, underscoring Xinjiang’s role in promoting openness and regional exchange. Since 2011, the China-Eurasia Expo has held eight sessions and developed into a major platform for cooperation across Central Asia, Asia and Europe.

The exhibition has grown from 8,000 square meters at its first edition to 140,000 square meters. It has attracted participants from more than 120 countries and regions, more than 70 Chinese and foreign leaders and heads of international organizations, over 1,000 senior guests, more than 15,000 domestic and foreign enterprises, and 140,000 businessmen, with nearly 2 million on-site visitors. It has become an important channel for China’s high-level diplomacy, a key platform for cooperation in the core area of the Silk Road Economic Belt, and a major showcase of Xinjiang’s image.

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Naail Hafeez, reporting from Urumqi, Xinjiang.