The Guizhou Week kicked off on Thursday at the China Pavilion of Expo 2025 Osaka, spotlighting the province's rich cultural heritage, economic potential and emerging role in China's modernization journey.

This marks the first time a Guizhou government delegation has participated in a comprehensive world expo overseas, aiming to foster economic and cultural exchanges while exploring new avenues for international development.

Wu Shengrong, director of the China Pavilion, emphasized the event's diverse lineup, which includes cultural performances, business and trade activities, tourism promotions and showcases of intangible cultural heritage.

"We hope that Guizhou, together with friends from Japan and other countries, will seize the opportunity of Expo 2025 Osaka to engage in broad economic and trade exchanges, foster deeper cross-cultural understanding, strengthen cooperative consensus, explore new avenues for development and work together to create a new chapter of mutual benefit and win-win outcomes."

Xue Jian, China's consul general in Osaka, emphasized the growing economic relationship between Guizhou and Japan, particularly in sectors such as agriculture, tourism, big data and healthcare.

"By leveraging Expo 2025 Osaka as a platform and Guizhou Week as a catalyst, we are confident that both sides will continue to advance win-win cooperation and inject more positive energy into China-Japan relations."

Miao Hong, chairman of the China Council for the Promotion of International Trade Guizhou Sub-Council, pointed out that trade in goods between Guizhou and Japan increased by more than 19 percent last year, underscoring a strong growth trajectory.

"Currently, China-Japan relations are on a steady and positive path, creating favorable conditions for broader collaboration. We believe that, through joint efforts, exchanges and cooperation between Guizhou and Japan will usher in an even brighter future."

Kenji Imamura, secretary-general of the Kansai Headquarters of the Japan-China Economic Association, highlighted Guizhou's competitive edge in areas such as liquor brewing, new energy, big data and tourism.

"We hope more Japanese people will gain a deeper understanding of Guizhou's strengths and appeal."

Running through Saturday, the Guizhou Week also features cultural and tourism promotion, brand and photography exhibitions, as well as live demonstrations of intangible cultural heritage — all centered around the theme "Colorful Guizhou, Sustainable Future".

jiangxueqing@chinadaily.com.cn