Advancing the Belt and Road Initiative and safeguarding the free trade system is essential for building a major Eurasia market, according to attendees at the 6th China-Eurasia Expo held in Urumqi, capital of the Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region.

Around 500 participants. including Chinese government officials, trade agencies, experts and business representatives from more than 35 countries, have gathered to attend the expo from Thursday to Saturday.

Chinese Vice Premier of the State Council Hu Chunhua delivered a keynote speech at the opening ceremony.

The attendees also said that various platforms should be fully employed to boost trade and connectivity between China and Eurasia.

The expo, previously called Urumqi Foreign Economic Relations and Trade Fair, aims to further promote multilevel exchanges and cooperation between China and Eurasian countries as well as boost the full-scale development program for the western regions in China and the economic and social development of Xinjiang. 

As a vital platform for summit diplomacy between China and Eurasian countries, it plays a key role in advancing Xinjiang as a core area of the Silk Road Economic Belt. It is also a crucial channel to push forward cooperation between Xinjiang, northwest China and neighboring countries by showcasing Xinjiang's opening-up.  

Forums focusing on trade, investment and logistics cooperation will be held during the Expo. A total of 11 themes will be exhibited, including agricultural products, tourism, healthcare, energy and high-tech equipment.