Chinese Vice Premier Ding Xuexiang on Tuesday called for further advancing China-Europe railway express cooperation.
Ding, who is also a member of the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee, made the call while addressing the opening ceremony of the second China Railway Express Cooperation Forum in Xi'an, the capital of northwest China's Shaanxi Province.
Noting that China attaches great importance to the development of the China-Europe freight train service, Ding said that as a flagship project of high-quality Belt and Road cooperation, the China-Europe freight train service meets the need of the times, has achieved leapfrog development, and has become an international logistics brand with formidable radiating power, driving force and considerable influence.
China stands ready to work with all partners to step up communication and cooperation, so as to push for the development of the China-Europe freight train service to new heights, said the vice premier.
To achieve the goal, Ding called for greater openness and interconnectivity, further advancement of infrastructure and standards alignment, and enhancement of the multi-passage advantage.
Ding also highlighted joint innovation, stressing the importance of active adoption of advanced technologies and the buildup of fresh momentum for sustainable growth.
He emphasized the need to strengthen risk management, calling for the establishment of a sound law-enforcement cooperation mechanism.
The Chinese vice premier highlighted the importance of integrated development to realize smooth logistics, trade growth and industrial upgrades in regions along the routes.
Vice President of the Bulgarian National Assembly Tsoncho Ganev also attended the opening ceremony and delivered a speech.
After the opening ceremony, Ding held a meeting with Ganev and the two exchanged views on China-Bulgaria relations and practical cooperation between the two countries.
Ding also visited a retrospective exhibition about China-Europe freight train development on the sidelines of the forum.
This year's forum was held with the theme "Connecting Asia and Europe for a Shared Future".
Chinese vice premier calls for further advancing China-Europe railway express cooperation
