BEIJING, June 12 (INP): A large number of professionals and experts from China and South Asia countries attended the 2nd China-South Asia Media Forum held in the Chinese city of Kunming and vowed to work together for a better future of their people.

The participants were from China, Pakistan, India, Nepal, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, Maldives and Afghanistan. The Forum was aimed to strengthen media cooperation among China and South Asia countries.

According to China Economic Net, ‘Stronger Sub-National Partnership for Win-win Opportunities’ was the theme of the forum. Pakistan dignitaries who attended the event included Vice Mayor of Islamabad, Syed Zeeshan Ali Naqvi and President Federation of Pakistan Chambers of. Commerce & Industry (FPCCI) Engr: Daroo Khan Achakzai.

China and South Asia counties are connected both geographically and culturally, Tian Shubin, Vice President of China Federation of Internet Societies and Chairman as well as President of Xinhuanet, said at the forum.

He pointed out that as the bridge connecting different civilizations, media should contribute more to all-round, multi-layered and wide-ranging cooperation among countries.

Tian also proposed to the participants to set up a fair and reasonable communication order, build a platform of interconnections and meet the challenges of media developing together.

The forum’s discussion topics revolve on closer cooperation in terms of interconnectivity, business, poverty reduction, finance, and people-to-people exchanges.

Yunnan Province Governor Ruan Chengfa said at the inauguration that the Forum was a new platform for exchanges and cooperation based on the China-South Asia Expo and South and Southeast Asia Commodity Expo and Investment Fair.

“It aims to further strengthen local exchanges and cooperation between China and South Asia and align the Belt and Road Initiative with the development strategies of South Asian countries,” he said.

The governor suggested that all parties set up liaison offices in foreign affairs departments to facilitate daily communication, as well as jointly advance the implementation of cooperation projects.

The organisers of the forum expect to promote the Forum as a new and regular platform for policy dialogue, economic cooperation, people-to-people exchange, and knowledge-sharing for China and South Asian countries.