Transport links boost communication with Central Asian nations

Regular scheduled flights between Xi'an, capital of Northwest China's Shaanxi province, and Astana, capital of Kazakhstan, began last month. The flights, operated by Air China, run every Monday and Friday. The opening of the Xi'an-Astana direct route will open up a more convenient air channel between China and Central Asia, expanding the international air network, boosting opening-up and helping more companies "go global", according to Air China. "The opening of the flight is because of the practical need for exchanges between China and Kazakhstan," said Zhang Sheng, vice-president of Air China. He noted that it will promote exchanges and cooperation in the fields of economy, trade, culture and tourism between the countries, contributing to the development of their aviation markets and the high-quality development of the Belt and Road Initiative. "The route will enable more young people from Central Asia to learn about China from all aspects. They can visit Xi'an and jointly help the city build into an international metropolis," said Epke Ehy, a student from Gumilyov Eurasian National University in Kazakhstan. This month, two more international routes from Xi'an to other Central Asian countries were scheduled to be launched, expanding the air network between China and Central Asia, according to the city's development and reform commission.<br/>