HUANGPU SHANGHAI

On August 16, Ma Xingrui, Party chief of the Xinjiang Uygur autonomous region, met with Zhumangarin Serik, deputy prime minister and minister of trade and integration of Kazakhstan, who was visiting Xinjiang for the 2023 (China) Eurasia Commodity and Trade Expo (EACT Expo).

In his speech, Ma noted that Xinjiang plays a vital role as a gateway for China's westward opening-up and is a core region of the Silk Road Economic Belt. He highlighted the continuous efforts of Xinjiang in actively connecting Asia and Europe.

Ma expressed Xinjiang's desire to elevate its level of economic and trade cooperation with Kazakhstan, jointly promoting the development of "Silk Road E-commerce", enhancing collaboration in energy and agriculture, improving infrastructure connectivity, and fostering exchanges in tourism, healthcare, and sister cities, with the aim of contributing to the construction of a China-Kazakhstan community with a shared future.

Serik acknowledged the positive trend in cooperation and development between Kazakhstan and China, particularly with Xinjiang, where economic and trade ties have made rapid progress. He expressed his hope for further cooperation with Xinjiang in key ports such as Horgos and Alashankou, and strengthening the development of logistics infrastructure and cooperation in the e-commerce industry.

Serik further emphasized the importance of raising the level of modern agricultural cooperation, and facilitating the entry of Kazakhstan's grain, oilseeds, and meat products into the Chinese market. Cooperation in the energy sector and advancing cultural and tourism exchanges are also expected to be intensified as areas of mutual interest, he added.

The meeting showcased the commitment of Xinjiang and Kazakhstan to deepen trade cooperation and push for greater collaboration in various sectors, further strengthening the bilateral relationship between the two sides.