Strategy of Developing Western China Benefits Neighboring CountriesThe implementation of the strategy of developing China's western areas will facilitate economic growth and social development in neighboring countries of China, agreed experts attending an ongoing international symposium on developing the west.Central Asian member nations of the Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS) will benefit the most from the strategy since they border on the western areas of China and the transportation is very convenient between China and all these nations, said Li Jingwen, an economist from the government think tank, the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences. Li, also an academician of the Russian Academy of Sciences, said development in western China will boost in bilateral trade with these CIS nations. Also, China and these CIS member nations may join forces to better develop the natural resources in the region such as petroleum and natural gas. Echoing Li's view, a Russian official said better development of China's west will create more demand, which the neighboring countries could well make use of to boost their economy. "Russia and CIS member nations in central Asia are very interested in China's strategy of developing its west, and hope to participate in the move." the official said. |
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