CRI听力:China Helps Central Asian Development

Zhang Deguang, Secretary-General of the Euro-Asia Economic Forum speaking at a press conference about this year's event. Founded in 2005, the forum is held every two years and provides an opportunity for countries in Central Asia to talk to each other.

Zhang Deguang says this is a special year for the forum's organising body, the Shanghai Cooperation Organization.

"This year marks the tenth anniversary of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation, so the forum will include discussion about its future development. We need to work together to combat terrorism, deepen economic cooperation and cultural exchange. So, this is a really important time for us."

Shanghai Cooperation Organisation includes China, Russia, Kazakhstan and other central Asian countries. Zhang Deguang says greater cooperation with this region is essential for China's plan to develop its western regions.

"China's plan to develop its western region is strongly connected with Central Asia. Both areas have similar needs, level of development and culture. So it's essential we strengthen cooperation, which will benefit western China."

However, despite the increased cooperation between countries in the region, Zhang Deguang plays down any comparison with the European Union.

"We don't have that aim. It's not our plan right now to create a freetrade area. Our long term goal is to improve the flow of trade, services and technology."

The next Euro-Asia Economic Forum will take place in China's northwest city of Xi'an later this year.

For CRI, I'm Dominic Swire.