The Hunan Week, with the theme of "The Sun Never Sets-Beautiful Hunan Scenery", opened in the China Pavilion of 2017 Astana Expo on July 17.

Officials attending and addressing the opening ceremony included Ouyang Bin, vice-chairman of the Hunan Provincial Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference, Zhang Hanhui, Chinese ambassador to Kazakhstan, Yu Jianlong, secretary-general of the China Chamber of International Commerce (CCOIC), Gulmira Issayeva, Kazakhstan's vice minister of Agriculture, and Nurzhan B. Altayev, deputy chairman of the National Chamber of Entrepreneurs of the Republic of Kazakhstan.

Ouyang Bin said that the Hunan Week aims to showcase the image of Hunan to the entire world, promote the strategy of "innovation-oriented and opening-up", deepen economic and trade exchanges and cooperation with countries involved in the Belt and Road Initiative.

He also briefed about Hunan's efforts to the implementation of the Belt and Road Initiative.

Zhang Hanhui spoke highly of Hunan, specially its beautiful scenery, human spirit, innovation and creativity, as well as the responsibility it takes.

He said that Hunan's unique culture contributes immensely to Chinese civilization. Hunan people and enterprises are filled with enthusiasm for entrepreneurial innovation, making Hunan stand at the forefront of the reform and opening-up.

He said, through the event, he hopes Hunan will strengthen cooperation and cultural exchanges with Kazakhstan.

Secretary-general Yu said that 23 provinces and cities in China will hold local events in the China Pavilion. Hunan, as a key province to celebrate its provincial week, demonstrates the development direction of the future new energy in the light of its new energy industry.

He said that he hopes Hunan will make full use of the platform, further expand its pragmatic cooperation with Kazakhstan and other countries involved in the Belt and Road Initiative, and play a greater role in promoting the development of Belt and Road Initiative and the comprehensive strategic partnership between China and Kazakhstan.

Altayev said that the support from China has contributed to further enhancement of the bilateral relations. Hunan, as a large trade and agriculture province, plays a substantial role in the bilateral cooperation. Kazakhstan will fully implement the agreements signed during the event to further promote bilateral cooperation.

Several cooperation agreements were signed during the event, including agreements between Hunan CCPIT and Kazakhstan International Chamber of Commerce, and cooperation agreements between several Chinese companies in Hunan and Kazakhstan companies.

The 83 companies participating in the Hunan Week are said to have invested or tend to invest in Kazakhstan and its neighboring countries, involving fields such as energy, advanced manufacturing, mineral and agriculture.

In the following week, the Hunan delegation will hold a series of events, including Hunan new energy and advanced industry promotion fair, Hunan tourism promotion fair, black tea industry promotion fair, local performances and exhibitions. Curator of the China Pavilion, Shu Huan, will attend the above mentioned events.