Transportation experts gather in Beijing to discuss ways to connect

Experts in the transportation field from China and Central Asia gathered in Beijing on Friday, discussing the ways to promote transport connectivity between the two regions.

A total of 59 experts from Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan attended the seminar, some in Beijing and others online.

Wu Changhong, counsel of the Department of European-Central Asian Affairs of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, said that China's practical cooperation with Central Asian countries in the transportation sector has deepened in recent years, benefiting people from the six countries, thanks to the Belt and Road Initiative.

"It is necessary to build a comprehensive and sustainable transportation infrastructure system, adopt effective measures to ensure smooth transportation of goods, and maintain the stability and smooth operation of industrial and supply chains," he said.

Fu Yufang, director of Science and Technology Department of Research Institute of Highway under Ministry of Transport, said the institute will carry out research, exhibitions and seminars to promote international cooperation to enhance transportation connectivity between China and the five Central Asian countries.

Experts also discussed the prospects of cooperation from various perspectives, including the modernization of railways, promotion of major transportation infrastructure, development of international multimodal transportation, investment and financing of transnational transportation projects, and regional multilateral and bilateral cooperation mechanisms.