The 2021 Euro-Asia Economic Forum kicked off on Oct 18 in the city of Xi’an – capital of Northwest China’s Shaanxi province – and is scheduled to run to Oct 20.

The 2021 Euro-Asia Economic Forum kicks off in Xi’an on Oct 18. [Photo provided to chinadaily.com.cn]

Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the forum is being held both onsite and online this year.

Among those participating are representatives are Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) member states, politicians from the countries involved in the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), ministerial officials, representatives of important international organizations – as well as representatives of sister cities, experts and academics.

Established with the approval of the State Council, China’s Cabinet, the forum is a high-level and open international conference for the Eurasian region, with the SCO member states as the main body.

At the opening ceremony, Ting Bater – vice-chairperson of the 13th National Committee of the Chinese People’s Political Consultative Conference – gave a keynote speech.

He urged all sides to use the forum as an opportunity to further promote Eurasian cooperation and the high-quality development of the BRI, and to contribute to the promotion of regional and global economic development and prosperity.

Liu Guozhong, secretary of the Shaanxi Provincial Party Committee, expressed his vision that the province would deepen its practical cooperation with Eurasian countries in science and technology, industry, economy and trade, low carbon and in culture.

During this year’s forum, nearly 30 activities are scheduled to be held. These include the opening ceremony, a roundtable for SCO envoys, a forum on the high-quality development of the China-Europe freight train, a photo exhibition marking the celebrations for the 20th anniversary of the SCO, as well as various support events and activities.