The 2021 Eurasian Economic Forum kicked off in Xi 'an on Oct 18. Vice Chairman of the National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference Bateer attended and delivered a keynote speech.

Bateer pointed out that since President Xi Jinping put forward the Belt and Road Initiative, Eurasian countries have responded positively with common participation, cooperation and benefits. What has happened shows that Belt and Road cooperation has opened up new space for world economic growth and made new contribution to improving the lives of all countries.

Bateer stressed that the Eurasian Economic Forum is an important platform for carrying forward the Silk Road spirit and discussing mutually beneficial cooperation. The theme of this year's Forum, "Seizing New Opportunities for Cooperation, Embarking on a New Journey of Development", is of great significance as it serves as a platform for exchanges and cooperation among Eurasian countries. We hope that all parties will take this opportunity to further deepen and substantiate Eurasian cooperation, build the Belt and Road with high quality, and contribute to regional and global economic development and prosperity.

Moldovan Deputy Speaker Batrencha, Second Deputy Speaker of Iran's Islamic Parliament Abdulreza Mesri and SCO Secretary-General Norov addressed the opening ceremony respectively. Han Yong, chairman of the Provincial CPPCC, Li Hui, Special Representative of the Chinese Government on Eurasian Affairs of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Fang Hongwei, Member of the Standing Committee and Secretary General of the Provincial CPC, Wei Zengjun, Vice-chairman of the Provincial CPPCC, and Yue Huafeng, Chairman of the Xi 'an CPPCC attended the ceremony.

Sri Lankan Ambassador, Palitha T.B.Kohona, Republic of Macedonia Ambassador Elizabeta, deputy secretary-general of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization Zhang Haizhou,, Deputy Secretary General of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization Bakiyev Murat Buick, Cambodia consul general of consulate general in xi 'an Song Weishan, Thai consul general of consulate general in xi 'an Huang Liqing and guests from 46 countries and regions including Armenia, Uzbekistan, Azerbaijan, Kyrgyzstan and Belarus attended the conference. ASEAN-China Commerce Association and Ansheng International Business were invited to attend the opening ceremony and the plenary session.

Through extensive dialogue between government, business, enterprises, industry, academia and research sectors, the Forum will strengthen policy communication, jointly seize the new opportunities of coordinated regional development and economic recovery, and jointly promote solid and deeper cooperation between Europe and Asia.

The forum adopts the "Conference + Exhibition" model, including the opening ceremony and plenary session of the Forum, Business Leaders' Meeting and Economic and Trade Cooperation Symposium, as well as the Eurasian Economic Forum Economic and Trade Cooperation Expo and China (Shaanxi) Import and Export Commodities Exhibition, to promote positive and pragmatic economic and trade outcomes.