LANZHOU — The 25th China Lanzhou Investment and Trade Fair opened on July 4 in Lanzhou, capital of Northwest China’s Gansu province to deepen economic and trade cooperation and promote green development with countries along the Belt and Road.

The five-day event has attracted more than 600 foreign guests from 42 countries including Russia, Singapore, and Argentina, with Serbia being invited as the guest of honor, according to the organizing committee.

Conferences, forums, and exhibitions focusing on 10 green industries such as energy conservation, advanced manufacturing and circular agriculture will be held during the fair.

The fair will also feature more than 30 investment and trade promotion activities.

First held in 1993, the fair has become an important platform for the opening-up of Northwest China and has grown in importance as the country accelerates opening-up to central and western Asia in recent years under the BRI.

Gansu province saw rapid growth in trade revenue with BRI countries this year, which rose 6.7 percent year-on-year in the first five months and accounted for over half of the province’s total foreign trade revenue.

An Indian exhibitor introduces goods to guests during the Lanzhou Investment & Trade Fair in Lanzhou, capital of Northwest China’s Gansu province, July 4, 2019. [Photo/Xinhua]

Guests attend the Lanzhou Investment & Trade Fair in Lanzhou, capital of Northwest China’s Gansu province, July 4, 2019. [Photo/Xinhua]

Guests watch a welding machine during the Lanzhou Investment & Trade Fair in Lanzhou, capital of Northwest China’s Gansu province, July 4, 2019. [Photo/Xinhua]

A Ghanaian exhibitor exchanges with guests during the Lanzhou Investment & Trade Fair in Lanzhou, capital of Northwest China’s Gansu province, July 4, 2019. [Photo/Xinhua]