Governor touts Silk Road growth

An artist from Turkmenistan trims a carpet made from camel hairs and wool in May 2014 during the Silk Road International Exposition in Xi'an. [Photo/China Daily]

Lou: We have established sister relationships with countries, including Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Uzbekistan and Turkmenistan. Malaysia and Cambodia will set up consular offices in Xi'an.

We have successfully held the first Xi'an Silk Road International Film Festival, International Silk Road Art Festival and Silk Road Tourism Expo.

The government will continue to actively increase the platforms for communication between people from different countries. We will provide support for literary and artistic works. Meanwhile, we will offer financial support to build more venues.

Xi'an is a well-known ancient city and we have a rich experience in preservation of cultural relics, which we can share with other countries.

We noticed an increasing number of companies in Shaanxi are investing in central Asian countries. What do you think about their overseas investments?

Lou: Indeed, many of our companies are going overseas to expand their businesses, especially in countries along the new Silk Road. As far as I know, private companies in Shaanxi went to other countries to build a cement plant, power stations. Those countries need such facilities and welcome our investment.

Shaanxi Coal and Chemical Industry Group, together with a private company, built an oil refinery in Kyrgyzstan, which is a good case. Such cooperation will bring more opportunities in the future.