Summary
On 25 June 2026, the 9th China-Eurasia Expo opened in Urumqi, Xinjiang. Ding Xuexiang, member of the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee and Vice Premier of the State Council, delivered a speech proposing four points: deepening strategic development alignment, expanding high-level opening up, building efficient and interconnected networks, and fostering new growth drivers. Deputy Prime Ministers Zhumangalin of Kazakhstan and Akunbekov of Kyrgyzstan, and Deputy Speaker Mustafa of the National Assembly of Pakistan attended and addressed the opening.
Before the opening, Ding toured the exhibition hall and exchanged views with exhibitors. From 24 to 25 June, Ding met with the three foreign dignitaries separately to discuss political trust and practical cooperation. The foreign side spoke highly of China's role and expressed willingness to deepen Belt and Road cooperation.
Specific cooperation plans are yet to be finalised.
Commentary
The core issue of the China-Eurasia Expo is deepening economic cooperation across the Eurasian continent, with particular focus on infrastructure connectivity and reducing trade barriers. For New Zealand small business owners, this sends a positive signal: China continues to push for institutional opening with Eurasian nations, which may indirectly drive NZ-China third-market collaboration (e.g., dairy or meat supply chain demand in Central Asian infrastructure projects). Additionally, initiatives to lower tariff and non-tariff barriers, if extended to the NZ-China FTA upgrade negotiations, could create better conditions for NZ exporters.
However, the current focus is on Eurasia, so the short-term direct trade impact on NZ is limited. It is recommended to monitor whether expansion of rail cold-chain transport on the China-Europe (Central Asia) corridor reduces logistics costs, and whether cooperation between China and Central Asian countries spawns new consumer markets.
Keywords: Ding Xuexiang, 9th China-Eurasia Expo, Urumqi Xinjiang, Belt and Road, deepening cooperation, open economy, infrastructure connectivity, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Pakistan
Source: Embassy of the People's Republic of China in New Zealand
Disclaimer: This article is compiled from publicly available sources for general information only. The analysis and commentary are editorial opinions. MiDeer Observer does not guarantee the accuracy or completeness of the information provided. Readers should seek independent professional advice before relying on this content, or contact us for more information.
