China's Belt and Road initiative promotes economic development in Central Asia: Kazakh PM

The China-proposed Belt and Road Initiative will promote the economic development of countries in Central Asia, including Kazakhstan, the country's Prime Minister Karim Masimov said at a conference in Astana on Wednesday.

Masimov gave a keynote speech at the opening of the Boao Forum for Asia's Conference on Energy, Resources and Sustainable Development.

The old Silk Road promoted trade and the exchange knowledge along the route, pushing forward peace and development on the Eurasian continent, Masimov said.

The Eurasian economy proved to be of great significance in building relations between Asia and the Europe, the premier added.

The Silk Road Economic Belt, proposed by Chinese President Xi Jinping in September 2013, provides a new way for countries along the Silk Road route to enjoy economic and financial development, Masimov said, noting Kazakhstan's great support to China from President Nursultan Nazarbayev.

Masimov called the Belt and Road Initiative one of the most important proposals in the 21 century which will make the world' s three major regions closely connected while promoting investment and development within the area.

It is worth mentioning that Kazakhstan' s new economic policy works very well with the initiative, Masimov added.

The Eurasian Economic Union, a supporter of the initiative, will bring new momentum to countries along the Silk Road, the prime minister concluded. Endi