XI'AN: Co-operation in the development of energy, tourism, transportation and environmental protection should be Europe and Asia's joint priority.
So said Wu Bangguo, chairman of the Standing Committee of the National People's ConGREss yesterday at the opening ceremony of the two-day Euro-Asia Economic Forum in Xi'an, capital of Northwest China's Shaanxi Province.
Wu said Asia and Europe have a geographic advantage for economic co-operation and, with complementary economies and many areas of collaboration, prospects for co-operation are extremely good.
The forum is co-sponsored by the Shanghai Co-operation Organization (SCO), China Development Bank and the United Nations ESCAP (Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific) and is also supported by the Boao Forum for Asia.
It is the first such forum ever held in Xi'an, the starting point of the ancient Silk Road, a major ancient trade route between China and Europe. The forum has declared the city its permanent conference site, according to Zhang Deguang, secretary-general of the SCO.
Delegates from Russia, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Uzbekistan, Mongolia, Pakistan, India, Iran, Japan, the Republic of Korea, Nepal and China will discuss topics including energy, tourism and financial co-operation, said Sun Qingyun, mayor of Xi'an, who is hosting the meeting.
"Regional co-operation between European and Asian countries has started late and the current level of co-operation is not high. Strengthening economic co-operation has become the mutual aim of all partners," said Wu.
Tajik Prime Minister Akil Akilov said the forum has vital significance for member nations' economic and cultural co-operation.
"We expect this forum to help the countries in this region, and for constructive dialogue to seek the best path for economic and trade co-operation," Akilov said.
Tajikistan is a landlocked country with complex geography, which needs to develop interstate and transportation co-operation, Akilov said.
"The problem of transportation is a serious restriction holding back our development. Tajikistan regards the development of international transportation as one of the most efficient ways for regional co-operation to balance the development of globalization," the prime minister added.
The all-round development of Euro-Asia transportation networks will reduce trade and service costs and ensure the steady development of international economic co-operation, he said.
