Shanghai Week opens at Astana Expo

The Shanghai Week of China Pavilion was unveiled on July 3rd at Astana Expo. Pavilion directors, officials from the Astana government, Chinese representatives in Kazakhstan and representatives from the Friendly Chambers of Commerce attended the opening ceremony.

Wang Jinzhen, government representative of the China Pavilion, addressed the ceremony, saying that Shanghai should take this opportunity to exert its effects as a center of economics, transportation, technology, industry, finance, trade, exhibition and shipping in China, and promote cooperation with countries along the Belt and Road.

Chinese Ambassador to Kazakhstan Zhang Hanhui hailed the 25th anniversary of the diplomatic relationship between China and Kazakhstan, saying that with the Astana Expo, cooperation between Shanghai and Astana will have a bright future.

“Shanghai is not only an economic center, but also a base of advanced energetic technology with high-end capacity,” said Jin Xingming, deputy general-secretary of the Shanghai Municipal Government. “This time, the Shanghai enterprises leading in energetic equipment manufacturing and new energy exploitation will use their advantages to pursue cooperation and acquire experience in traditional energy transformation and sustainable development of new energy.”

Yermek Amanshayev, deputy mayor of Astana, said that Shanghai Week will showcase Shanghai’s achievement in culture, trade and energy, definitely promoting commercial cooperation and cultural exchange between Shanghai and Kazakhstan. On the evening of the opening ceremony, remarkable performances were held to celebrate Shanghai Week. For example, an ensemble of piano and erhu (a two-stringed bowed Chinese traditional instrument) played Mo Li Hua (jasmine flower), and the men’s chorus Our Shanghai revealed Shanghai artists’ demeanor and culture.

Shanghai Week will last to July 6. An exhibition themed “new silk road, new living style” will be held, together with seminars and city image promotion campaigns.