Xi promotes progress in western hinterland

President Xi Jinping encouraged representatives at the 17th Western China International Fair to gain an in-depth understanding of western China, enhance friendships, cooperation and exchanges, and share new opportunities arising from opening-up and development.

Xi made the comments in a congratulatory message sent to the fair, which began in Chengdu, Sichuan province, on Thursday.

The fair is an important window into China's opening-up, and provides a key platform for western China to join the construction of the Belt and Road and deepen its exchanges and cooperation with various countries, the president said.