Silk Road-themed international events have helped northwest China's Gansu Province make the most of opportunities presented by the Belt and Road Initiative, Vice Governor He Wei said at a recent press conference.

The conference, held in Beijing on July 3, aimed to promote the Fourth Silk Road (Dunhuang) International Cultural Expo and the Ninth Dunhuang Tour--Silk Road International Tourism Festival, which will open their doors on July 30.

The opening ceremony will be held in Hezuo, Gannan Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture, while the closing ceremony is scheduled to take place in Dunhuang, known for its ancient grottoes, on August 31-September 5. Cultural activities will be staged across the province.

The expo and festival have become an important platform for implementing the Belt and Road Initiative and a bridge to promoting cultural exchanges, mutual learning, and cooperation among Belt and Road participating countries, He said.

Also, they have contributed to local poverty alleviation efforts as they attract tourists from around the world, she added.

The events are co-hosted by the Gansu Provincial Government, the Ministry of Culture and Tourism, the National Radio and Television Administration and the China Council for the Promotion of International Trade.

Senior officials from culture and tourism authorities of Belt and Road participating countries and heads of international organizations such as the World Tourism Organization, the World Tourism Alliance, UNESCO and the World Bank will be invited.

Copyedited by Rebeca Toledo

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