Young scholars gather in Shaanxi

The third Silk Road International Symposium for Distinguished Young Scholars of Xi'an Jiaotong University opened on Friday, with hundreds of young people gathering to communicate and share their ideas across a range of subjects.

A total of 204 young talents from 26 countries and regions attended the symposium, which was aimed at improving communication among talented young people from across the areas participating in the Belt and Road Initiative.

Wang Shuguo, president of Xi'an Jiaotong University, delivered a keynote speech, where he pointed out the many opportunities and challenges of the China Western Science and Technology Innovation Port, which is being constructed in the Xi'an New Area in this capital city of Northwest China's Shaanxi province.

Occupying a total area of about 333 hectares, the innovation port will serve the functions of scientific research, education, technology incubation and comprehensive innovation services.

Dong Xiaolong, secretary of the Higher Education Department in Shaanxi province, said that making China a future educational powerhouse is the fundamental mission of promoting the country's development.

The aim to build a number of world class universities and disciplines in Shaanxi is part of a strategic move by the central government to improve education resources across the province.

At the same event, scholars also gathered to discuss plans for talent development in Shaanxi province.