Strengthening Business Ties at the Ninth China-Eurasia Expo
The ninth iteration of the China-Eurasia Expo was recently held in Urumqi, the capital city of the Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, from June 25 to June 29, 2026. This year's event saw unprecedented participation, with 49 countries, regions, and international organizations represented, along with 27 national pavilions, further showcasing the spirit of cooperation, innovation, and open markets.
Record Scale and Participation
The expo's scale reached new heights, featuring over 3,000 domestic and foreign enterprises that collectively showcased groundbreaking technologies, products, and solutions across a sprawling exhibition venue of 140,000 square meters. Among the newcomers were stand-alone exhibitions from the United Arab Emirates, South Korea, Russia, and Thailand, marking a significant step in expanding international collaborations.
Khalil Hashmi, Ambassador of Pakistan to China, praised the expo's record scale, emphasizing the importance of Xinjiang as a pivotal hub for economic and trade initiatives between China and Eurasia. Pakistan was highlighted as a guest country of honor this year, presenting a larger pavilion and a rich array of exhibits that underscored the robust economic ties shared with China.
Similarly, Selcuk Unal, the Turkish Ambassador to China, reaffirmed the historical Silk Road bonds that link Turkey with China. Turkish enterprises leveraged this platform to explore market opportunities, seeking new cooperation deals and contracts with their Chinese counterparts.
An Interactive Platform for Trade and Investment
The expo served not just as a marketplace, but also as a critical platform for fostering business discussions and collaborations. More than 80 themed economic and trade activities took place, addressing key areas such as trade promotion, investment cooperation, consumption expansion, and innovative collaboration. Notable highlights included matchmaking events for Chinese and Central Asian businesses, as well as a Central Asia-focused session that facilitated engagement at multiple levels.
The international buyer matchmaking forum, on June 27, allowed corporate representatives to present their offerings in key sectors such as light manufacturing, agricultural products, textiles, and new energy resources. This facilitated deeper discussions among businesses from Xinjiang, Beijing, Shandong, and international buyer delegations, leading to the signing of cooperation agreements that spanned multiple industries.
Emphasis on Smart Innovation
A noteworthy feature of the ninth expo was the introduction of a dedicated zone for new quality productive forces, focusing on cutting-edge innovations in artificial intelligence, digital economy, and biomanufacturing. Attendees were impressed by demonstrations of advanced products including laser-assisted robots designed to enhance agricultural efficiency, smart satellite systems for ecological conservation, and versatile robotic equipment tailored for various applications.
Exhibits showcased the development of Xinjiang's data centers, smart agriculture, and urban infrastructure in regions like Urumqi and Karamay. Xinjiang's remarkable green energy resources position the region as a significant player in the global computing capacity landscape, with four key computing clusters already established to support cross-border digital interactions and technology sharing.
Celebrating New Industries
The expo also introduced an independent exhibition zone for low-altitude economy, featuring innovative industrial drones tailored for multiple applications, including large-scale deliveries and agricultural operations. Additionally, local manufacturers demonstrated significant advancements in synthetic biology, further illustrating the diverse industrial capabilities emerging in Xinjiang.
In conclusion, the ninth China-Eurasia Expo not only highlighted the increasing international interest in Xinjiang but also underscored the region's potential as a strategic platform for trade and economic collaboration across Eurasia. As the expo continues to serve as a bridge for interconnected development, it fosters a future of shared prosperity and collaborative growth.
This event marks a pivotal moment in international business and trade relations, showcasing how regional cooperation can lead to mutual benefits, and offering exciting prospects for future collaborations across borders.