XI'AN, May 19 (Xinhua) -- The China-Central Asia Summit is of great importance to the region and will contribute to regional development, a Tajik minister said here Thursday.

Zavqizoda Zavqi, Tajikistan's minister of economic development and trade, told Xinhua that Central Asian countries, particularly Tajikistan, have very important development goals on tapping the potential of cooperation with China.

"We will receive win-win results in terms of development," Zavqizoda said.

The summit is the first held offline by the heads of state of the six countries since the establishment of diplomatic ties 31 years ago.

"This summit will help to further strengthen cooperation between Tajikistan and China," said the minister, adding that it will also promote the cooperation between other Central Asian countries and China.

Noting that Tajikistan highly values its cooperation with China, the Tajik senior official said that the bilateral cooperation has been promoted to a new high under the strategic guidance by the two heads of state and the sincere friendship between the two peoples.

"Chinese companies are investing in manufacturing, agriculture, energy, tourism and trade and other sectors in Tajikistan," said the minister, stressing that China has become Tajikistan's leading trade partner and source of foreign investment.

"Both the Chinese government and investors from China are helping Tajikistan in achieving its development goals," he said.

Attending the summit, Tajik President Emomali Rahmon is also on a state visit to China. During the visit and summit, a number of important cooperation agreements are expected to be signed, covering such sectors as energy, manufacturing, trade and transport.

Zavqizoda expressed his confidence that the implementation of these agreements will further boost the cooperation between Tajikistan and China.

This year marks the 10th anniversary of the Belt and Road Initiative. Tajikistan was the first country that signed the memorandum of understanding with China on building the Silk Road Economic Belt.

Impressed by the fruitful Belt and Road cooperation, Zavqizoda said that for both countries, the anniversary is worth celebrating.

On the China-proposed Global Development Initiative, Global Security Initiative and Global Civilization Initiative, the Tajik minister said the initiatives are "very timely," stressing that they will further contribute to regional cooperation and development. Enditem

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