On February 20, a presentation themed on “An Open China: Amazing Yunnan, Sharing Its Best with the World” was held at the Blue Hall of the Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs(MFA). The event was attended by foreign diplomats from 140 countries, representatives of international organizations and business circles and experts, scholars and journalists both at home and abroad.

Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi and Secretary of the Yunnan CPC Provincial Committee Chen Hao addressed the event. And Governor of Yunnan Province Ruan Chengfa made a keynote presentation.

Wang Yi pointed out that in recent years, Yunnan province has come into closer contact with the world through the China-South Asia Expo and other cooperation platforms. In particular, the accelerated advancement of the Belt and Road Initiative has highlighted Yunnan’s geographical advantages, seeing the province striding towards opening up at higher levels and in wider areas as well as closer ties with Asia and the world, Wang Yi said.

 “Yunnan boasts a long history, profound culture, magnificent landscapes, abundant resources, colorful ethnic customs and numerous great people. The beauty and charm of Yunnan bankrupts any language,” said Chen Hao. He promised that Yunnan will more proactively serve and integrate into the big picture of China’s national development, board the express train of the Belt and Road initiative, build itself into a pivot of China’s opening up to South and Southeast Asia and act as a bridge to promote friendship, increase communication and deepen exchanges among all countries.

Ruan Chengfa made a detailed presentation on Yunnan’s natural, cultural and socioeconomic situations. He said that Yunnan is committed to policy coordination, facilities connectivity, unimpeded trade, financial integration and people-to-people bonds. And he also sincerely invited other participants to experience Yunnan’s beauty and charm.

In the two-hour event, Yunnan successfully demonstrated to the world more than 50 kinds of native products such as flowers, teas, medicines, coffee, fruits and vegetables.

Maltese, Nepalese, Myanmar, Kazakhstani, Maldivian, Lao and Algerian ambassadors to China shared their good impressions of Yunnan in their speeches. Several of them specially expressed their confidence in sharing the opportunities of open development with Yunnan as the Belt and Road Initiative deepens.