China-Kazakhstan cooperation highlighted in digital exhibition

Kazakhstan, a key country supporting the Belt and Road Initiative, said it is carrying out various cooperation projects with China in the digital sector and eyeing more Chinese visitors by holding a digital tourism exhibition in Beijing.

The exhibition, which shows local cultures and customs of Kazakhstan, is empowered by advanced technologies such as virtual reality and went up on Tuesday at Shougang Park in Shijingshan district. The display is jointly organized by the Zhongguancun Science Fiction Industry Innovation Center and the Embassy of the Republic of Kazakhstan in China.

This year, China and Kazakhstan are celebrating the 30th anniversary of their establishment of diplomatic ties. The two countries were among the first to jointly seek cooperation in the BRI, and they have implemented a series of projects of strategic significance.

Kazakhstan's ambassador to China Shakhrat Nuryshev said due to the COVID-19 pandemic, many countries have to actively develop digital tourism. He said relations between the two countries continue to develop and prosper on the basis of friendship and respect, and the relations originated from economic, trade, cultural and tourism exchanges along the ancient Silk Road.

On July 8, Kazakhstan introduced a visa-free entry policy for Chinese citizens which will allow Chinese visitors a continuous visa-free stay in Kazakhstan for up to 14 days for business and travel purposes, as the country hopes to further promote direct contacts between businesses and better utilize its potential for international tourist visits.

"Digital technologies such as 5G, artificial intelligence and blockchain have been widely applied in the cultural tourism sectors," said Wang Jianxin, second-level inspector of the Beijing Science and Technology Commission and the Zhongguancun Administrative Committee.

"A number of domestic companies have provided their latest technologies and products to support the holding of the exhibition. The show enables us to appreciate the scenery, cultural relics and historic sites of Kazakhstan without going abroad," Wang said.

Digital technologies are expected to help China and Kazakhstan to further promote digital transformation in their cooperation, Wang said.