The third Silk Road International Exposition and the Investment and Trade Forum for Cooperation between East and West China opens in Xi'an, Northwest China's Shaanxi province, May 11, 2018. [Photo provided to chinadaily.com.cn]

With the goal of strengthening collaborative relations among Chinese provinces and China with the world, the third Silk Road International Exposition kicked off Friday in Xi'an, Northwest China's Shaanxi province. A total of 230 delegations from 73 countries and regions are participating in the event, with the UK and Malaysia as the honored guest nations.

The expo focuses on governmental dialogues, enterprise collaborations, people-to-people exchanges and intercity interactions, offering a comprehensive package for all members to have thorough communications. Besides conferences covering over 20 business fields, the event also organizes cultural activities and competitions.

A company that integrates technology with agriculture showcases its products at the third Silk Road International Exposition in Xi'an, Northwest China's Shaanxi province, May 11, 2018. [Photo provided to chinadaily.com.cn]

Unlike the previous two expositions, this year's event is divided into two parts – major sessions and exhibitions. Important officials from the central and provincial governments of China as well as foreign dignitaries joined the opening ceremony and delivered keynote speeches afterward.

To break down the boundaries between countries and industries, the exhibition venue has combined the display areas of different companies. High technology – including in the form of aerospace, intelligent manufacturing and electronic information technology products -- has become a highlight of this international gathering.

Visitors take photos of miniature robots dancing at the third Silk Road International Exposition in Xi'an, Northwest China's Shaanxi province, May 11, 2018. [Photo provided to chinadaily.com.cn]

From May 11 to 15, a series of global forums will be held, including the China-UK Forum on Regional Economic Cooperation, the Belt and Road Initiative Infrastructure Cooperation Roundtable and the China-Malaysia Economic Cooperation Meeting.

An aerospace company displays its newest model at the third Silk Road International Exposition in Xi'an, Northwest China's Shaanxi province, May 11, 2018. [Photo provided to chinadaily.com.cn]