(下边有中文翻译请继续看到底。 谢谢。)
On June 26, 2025, the vibrant city of Urumqi, the capital of the Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region in northwest China, witnessed the grand opening of the highly anticipated EurAsia Expo. 2025年6月26日,万众瞩目的欧亚博览会在生机勃勃的新疆维吾尔自治区首府乌鲁木齐隆重开幕。

On June 26, 2025, the vibrant city of Urumqi, the capital of the Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region in northwest China, witnessed the grand opening of the highly anticipated EurAsia Expo. Now in its latest edition, the Expo has not only become a landmark event for promoting regional trade and investment but also a vital platform for expanding international cooperation far beyond the Eurasian region. Countries from every continent—such as Ethiopia from Africa, Brazil from Latin America, and many from the Middle East, Central Asia, and Europe—have shown keen participation, underlining the Expo’s growing global reach and its rising reputation.
The EurAsia Expo is more than just a trade fair; it is a vision in motion. It represents China’s unwavering commitment to openness, inclusivity, development, and shared prosperity. Hosted in Urumqi—the heart of Western China—the Expo has matured into a high-level platform where East meets West, where economies large and small find avenues for mutual growth, and where regions like Xinjiang showcase their transformation to the world.
Urumqi: From Remote City to Regional Powerhouse
Urumqi, once perceived as a remote outpost in China’s vast northwest, is today a bustling modern metropolis that bridges China with Central Asia, South Asia, West Asia, and beyond. As the provincial capital of Xinjiang—China’s largest province by landmass and a region that shares borders with eight countries—Urumqi is strategically positioned as a gateway to Eurasia.
The significance of Urumqi’s role has grown exponentially over the years, especially under China’s Belt and Road Initiative (BRI). The city has become a pivotal hub for trade, logistics, transportation, and people-to-people exchanges. China’s vision to develop its western regions, supported by major investments and forward-looking policies, has dramatically reshaped Xinjiang’s economy and infrastructure.
As someone who first visited Xinjiang in the early 1980s as a student in Shanghai, I have personally witnessed the remarkable transformation of this region. Back then, development was modest and opportunities limited. But recent visits paint a very different picture. Today’s Xinjiang is connected by modern highways, high-speed rail, international air routes, advanced telecommunications, and thriving commercial zones. The development gap with China’s eastern seaboard—once considered wide—has narrowed significantly. The energy, optimism, and confidence of the local people are clearly visible on the streets of Urumqi and beyond.
A Platform for Global Engagement
The EurAsia Expo has played a central role in Xinjiang’s transformation. What began as a regional trade fair is now a truly international event, bringing together representatives from governments, businesses, academia, and media from across the world. Over the past few years, the scale and impact of the Expo have consistently grown.
In comparison with earlier editions, the 2025 EurAsia Expo featured:
· More participating countries: The number of participating countries has grown steadily, including non-Eurasian nations like Brazil, Ethiopia, Indonesia, and even Pacific Island states.
· Greater trade volume: Agreements and contracts signed during the Expo have reached new highs each year, covering areas such as renewable energy, digital technology, agriculture, mining, textile manufacturing, and tourism.
· Diverse thematic pavilions: Countries showcased their unique cultures, products, and investment opportunities, while specialized zones highlighted areas such as smart logistics, green development, digital Silk Road, and sustainable agriculture.
More inclusive partnerships: SMEs, startups, and local cooperatives participated alongside large multinational corporations, ensuring that benefits trickled down to grassroots levels.
This rapid expansion is not accidental. It reflects a larger Chinese strategy—to bring underdeveloped regions into the national and global economy and to provide them with tools, exposure, and partnerships to thrive. The Expo serves as an essential mechanism for achieving that goal.
Xinjiang: A Province Transformed
The central government of China has identified Xinjiang as a region of strategic, economic, and cultural significance. Its abundant natural resources, young population, and proximity to international markets make it an ideal region for development and integration into global value chains.
Over the past decade, China has invested heavily in the region, improving not only hard infrastructure such as roads, railways, airports, and industrial parks but also soft infrastructure like education, healthcare, vocational training, and digital access. The results are visible:
· Fastest GDP growth: Based on official statistics, Xinjiang is among the fastest-growing provinces in China in terms of GDP growth. This is not just in terms of scale but also in quality and diversity of industries.
· Increased urbanization: Cities like Urumqi, Kashgar, Hotan, and Korla are rapidly urbanizing, equipped with modern amenities and services, attracting talent and capital.
· Rising living standards: With increasing job opportunities, especially in emerging sectors like e-commerce, logistics, manufacturing, and green energy, income levels have risen, and poverty has decreased significantly.
· Sister city and province partnerships: Xinjiang’s collaboration with advanced provinces like Guangdong, Zhejiang, and Shanghai has brought in best practices, investment, and innovation. Urumqi’s ties with cities like Shenzhen have helped transfer technology and entrepreneurial energy.
The EurAsia Expo has helped Xinjiang open its doors to the world, facilitating people-to-people connections and trade exchanges that were previously unimaginable. For local producers—from carpet weavers and fruit farmers to tech startups—the Expo provides an international platform to display their products, attract buyers, and forge partnerships.
A Human-Centered Transformation
Perhaps the most heartening aspect of Xinjiang’s development is how the economic transformation is reflecting in the lives of its people. The prosperity is not confined to statistics; it is written on the faces of young professionals in new tech zones, farmers selling premium produce to foreign buyers, women entrepreneurs running online businesses, and students excelling in modern universities.
During my most recent visit to Xinjiang, I walked the vibrant streets of Urumqi and interacted with locals from diverse ethnic and cultural backgrounds. There was a deep sense of hope and confidence among them. The streets were alive with commerce, culture, and cooperation. Whether it was a shopkeeper fluent in Mandarin, Uyghur, and English, or a young girl studying AI applications, everyone seemed aware that they were part of something bigger—a region on the rise.
The Road Ahead: Opportunities and Shared Prosperity
Looking ahead, the EurAsia Expo is expected to grow in both size and significance. With the continued support of the Chinese government and the active participation of international partners, the Expo is set to become a leading platform for multilateral cooperation, particularly among developing countries.
Xinjiang’s unique location—acting as China’s window to Central Asia, South Asia, the Middle East, and even parts of Europe—gives it a special advantage in logistics and trade. Its potential as a regional energy hub, tourism destination, and manufacturing base is immense.
Moreover, China’s ongoing commitment to peace, development, openness, and inclusiveness—the four pillars of the Belt and Road Initiative—ensures that growth in Xinjiang is not just fast but also sustainable and inclusive.
Conclusion
The 2025 EurAsia Expo in Urumqi is not just an exhibition—it is a celebration of global cooperation, of Xinjiang’s transformation, and of China’s balanced development model. It brings together nations, peoples, and ideas to build a shared future.
For Xinjiang, the Expo is both a symbol and a driver of progress. It opens new doors, builds new bridges, and inspires new dreams. As the region continues to develop at an impressive pace, its role in China’s national strategy and in the global economy will only grow.
The streets of Urumqi are no longer quiet. They are bustling with trade, talent, and technology. People are walking with confidence and smiles—a testament to what good governance, thoughtful planning, and global friendship can achieve.
Indeed, the EurAsia Expo is a beacon of connectivity, and Xinjiang—once a remote frontier—is now at the center of the world’s attention. The future is bright, and it belongs to all those who believe in cooperation, peace, and shared prosperity.
2025年6月26日,万众瞩目的欧亚博览会在生机勃勃的新疆维吾尔自治区首府乌鲁木齐隆重开幕。本届进博会不仅成为促进区域贸易和投资的标志性盛会,也成为拓展欧亚地区以外国际合作的重要平台。来自各大洲的国家——如非洲的埃塞俄比亚、拉丁美洲的巴西,以及中东、中亚和欧洲的许多国家——都踊跃参展,突显了世博会日益扩大的全球影响力和日益提升的声誉。
欧亚博览会不仅仅是一个贸易展览会;这是一种动态的愿景。它体现了中国开放、包容、发展、共享的坚定信念。在中国西部的心脏——乌鲁木齐举办的世博会,已经成为东西方交流的高水平平台,是大小经济体相互发展的平台,也是新疆等地区向世界展示转型的平台。
乌鲁木齐:从偏远城市到区域重镇
乌鲁木齐曾经被认为是中国广袤西北地区的一个偏远前哨,如今已成为一座繁华的现代化大都市,连接着中国与中亚、南亚、西亚以及其他地区。乌鲁木齐是中国陆地面积最大的省份——新疆省的省会,与8个国家接壤,它的战略定位是通往欧亚大陆的门户。
多年来,尤其是在中国的“一带一路”倡议下,乌鲁木齐的重要性呈指数级增长。这座城市已成为贸易、物流、交通和人文交流的枢纽。在重大投资和前瞻性政策的支持下,中国开发西部地区的愿景极大地改变了新疆的经济和基础设施。
上世纪80年代初,我作为一名在上海学习的学生第一次来到新疆,亲眼目睹了这个地区的巨大变化。当时,发展水平不高,机会有限。但最近的访问描绘了一幅截然不同的画面。现代化的高速公路、高速铁路、国际航线、先进的电信技术、繁荣的商业区,将今天的新疆连成一片。与中国东部沿海地区的发展差距一度被认为很大,但现在已经明显缩小。在乌鲁木齐和其他地方的街道上,可以看到当地人民的活力、乐观和信心。
全球参与的平台
欧亚博览会在新疆转型中发挥了核心作用。最初的区域贸易展览会现在是一个真正的国际活动,汇集了来自世界各地的政府、企业、学术界和媒体的代表。在过去的几年里,世博会的规模和影响不断扩大。
与前几届相比,2025年亚欧博览会具有以下特点:
·更多的参与国:参与国数量稳步增长,包括巴西、埃塞俄比亚、印度尼西亚等非欧亚国家,甚至太平洋岛国。
·更大的贸易额:进博会期间签订的协议和合同每年都创新高,涉及可再生能源、数字技术、农业、矿业、纺织制造、旅游等领域。
·多样的主题馆:各国展示各自独特的文化、产品和投资机会,专区重点展示智慧物流、绿色发展、数字丝绸之路、可持续农业等领域。
更具包容性的伙伴关系:中小企业、初创企业和地方合作社与大型跨国公司共同参与,确保福利惠及基层。
这种快速扩张并非偶然。这反映了中国更大的战略——将欠发达地区纳入国家和全球经济,并为他们提供繁荣发展的工具、机会和伙伴关系。世博会是实现这一目标的重要机制。
新疆:转型的大省
中国中央政府已经确定新疆是一个具有战略、经济和文化意义的地区。丰富的自然资源、年轻的人口、毗邻国际市场,使其成为发展和融入全球价值链的理想地区。
在过去的十年里,中国在该地区投入了大量资金,不仅改善了公路、铁路、机场和工业园区等硬基础设施,还改善了教育、医疗、职业培训和数字接入等软基础设施。结果是可见的:
·GDP增长最快:根据官方统计,新疆是中国GDP增长最快的省份之一。这不仅体现在规模上,还体现在产业质量和多样性上。
·城市化进程加快:乌鲁木齐、喀什、和田、库尔勒等城市城市化进程加快,现代化设施和服务设施齐备,吸引了大量人才和资金。
·生活水平提高:随着就业机会的增加,特别是在电子商务、物流、制造业和绿色能源等新兴行业,收入水平提高,贫困人口大幅减少。
·省友城伙伴关系:新疆与广东、浙江、上海等先进省份的合作带来了最佳实践、投资和创新。乌鲁木齐与深圳等城市的联系有助于技术和创业活力的转移。
欧亚博览会为新疆打开了通往世界的大门,实现了前所未有的人文交流和经贸往来。对于从地毯织工、果农到科技初创企业的当地生产商来说,世博会为他们提供了一个展示产品、吸引买家和建立合作伙伴关系的国际平台。
以人为本的转型
也许新疆发展最令人振奋的方面是经济转型如何反映在人民的生活中。繁荣并不局限于统计数字;它写在新技术区的年轻专业人士、向外国买家出售优质农产品的农民、经营在线业务的女企业家以及在现代大学中表现出色的学生的脸上。
在我最近一次访问新疆期间,我走在乌鲁木齐充满活力的街道上,与来自不同民族和文化背景的当地人进行了交流。他们之间有一种深深的希望和信心。街道上充满了商业、文化和合作。无论是精通普通话、维吾尔语和英语的店主,还是学习人工智能应用的年轻女孩,每个人似乎都意识到自己是一个正在崛起的更大领域的一部分。
未来之路:机遇与共同繁荣
展望未来,亚欧博览会的规模和意义将进一步扩大。在中国政府的持续支持和国际伙伴的积极参与下,世博会必将成为多边合作特别是发展中国家合作的重要平台。
新疆独特的地理位置——作为中国通往中亚、南亚、中东甚至欧洲部分地区的窗口——赋予了它在物流和贸易方面的特殊优势。它作为区域能源中心、旅游目的地和制造业基地的潜力是巨大的。
此外,中国一直致力于和平、发展、开放和包容,这是“一带一路”倡议的四大支柱,确保了新疆的发展不仅是快速的,而且是可持续的和包容的。
结论
在乌鲁木齐举办的2025欧亚博览会不仅仅是一场展览,而是一场全球合作、新疆转型和中国均衡发展模式的盛会。它将国家、人民和思想聚集在一起,构建共同的未来。
对新疆来说,世博会既是进步的象征,也是进步的动力。它打开了新的大门,架起了新的桥梁,激发了新的梦想。随着该地区继续以令人印象深刻的速度发展,它在中国国家战略和全球经济中的作用只会越来越大。
乌鲁木齐的街道不再安静。它们因贸易、人才和技术而热闹非凡。人们自信而微笑地行走,这证明了良好的治理、深思熟虑的规划和全球友谊所能取得的成就。
事实上,欧亚博览会是互联互通的灯塔,而新疆——曾经遥远的边疆——现在成为了世界关注的中心。未来是光明的,属于所有相信合作、和平和共同繁荣的人。
( 注意: 本文是用AI翻译的,或有误差。请以原版英文为准。谢谢。)
Reference Link:- https://moderndiplomacy.eu/2025/06/30/eurasia-expo-2025-in-urumqi-a-gateway-to-global-connectivity-and-regional-prosperity/