Minzu University of China (MUC) held an international conference on the Belt and Road Initiative on Dec 2 in Beijing, focusing on economics and trade cooperation as well as ethnic group affairs governance.

The International Conference of Economics and Trade Cooperation and Ethnic Group Affairs Governance among Belt and Road Countries is held at Minzu University of China on Dec 2. [Photo by Ma Bo/provided to chinadaily.com.cn]

MUC will promote the Belt and Road Initiative by hosting a series of events - such as an expo and museum displays - with participating countries, said Huang Taiyan, president of the university.

As one of China's most important comprehensive universities, MUC is renowned for its highly distinctive ethnic characteristics.

"We take the lead in fostering talents who can speak Russian and another language, such as Uzbek, Kazakh, Kyrgyz and Turkmen," said Huang, "Inter-disciplinary talents are strong support for the Belt and Road construction."

Huang Taiyan, president of Minzu University of China, makes a speech at the international conference. [Photo by Ma Bo/provided to chinadaily.com.cn]

At the conference, Lin Guijun, vice-president of the University of International Business and Economics, said that pushing forward implementation of transportation, telecommunications and energy projects is the core. In the meantime, trade barriers should be tackled and financial integration should be promoted.

The Belt and Road Initiative is aimed at deepening regional cooperation and enhancing the exchanges and communication among various civilizations. Its goal is diversified and sustainable, said Han Wenke, a researcher with the Energy Research Institute of the National Development and Reform Commission.

Over 170 experts, scholars and officials from home and abroad attended the conference.