May 26th, 2012 - There are splendid and brilliant periods throughout the splendid 5,000-year history of Chinese nation, enabling a nation to display its power and the world admire and yearn for it. The Sinology Department of the University of Vienna, the Confucius Institute at the University of Vienna and Eurasian New Silk Road Association for Economy, Trade and Culture Promotion jointly held the Symposium on New Silk Road at the Confucius Institute at the University of Vienna with a view to develop and expand Chinese culture, reflect upon history, see from the angle of reality and look forward into future.

The Symposium invited Dr. Wang Zhen, Field Operations Officer, Asia and the Pacific Programme of United Nations Industrial Development Organization, who delivered a speech under the title of "Opportunity and Challenge for the Development of New Silk Road". He recapped on the history of Silk Road, touched upon the status quo and looked forward into the development prospects of New Silk Road. For his part, it's strategically important to develop economic cooperation and trade along New Silk Road, which will not only promote complementary cooperation between Europe and Asia, facilitate common prosperity and development, but also help western provinces in China be integrated into global economy, playing an active role in the sustainable development along New Silk Road. But he also noted that we shall not overlook the difficulties and challenges down the line. More importantly, we shall boost business cooperation and trade between private sectors of various countries, enhance mutual trust, offer information and put in place cooperation platform and coordination mechanism. United Nations organizations, relevant research institutes and business associations will give a boost in this respect.

Wang Jing, Chinese Director of the Confucius Institute, made a remark entitled "Witness the Profound Impact of Silk Road on Economy and Culture of Eurasian Countries via Unearthed Relics". By utilizing a host of pictures of unearthed relics of flourishing Tang Dynasty preserved in Chinese museums, she provided insights into frequent east-west cultural exchanges, fashionable trend, customs and daily lives at that time and comprehensive implications of eastern and western culture for religious transmission and sacrificing ritual, all of which have pointed to the large-minded and tolerant national policy of China's flourishing age and all-inclusive, beneficial and dignified manner of the great empire.

With exquisitely selected pictures and well-grounded language, Director Wang gave a vivid and wonderful class about Chinese history and culture. Rapid economic development in China drives neighboring countries to get on board the train of common development. The ancient Silk Road also adapts to modern development demands, stretches from Lianyungang in the east to the Netherlands and Belgium in the West. Economic strategic partnership and geopolitical and economic ties, including national defense strategic relations, call for an unimpeded Eurasia land bridge to serve modern world and orient towards the future.

This Symposium is the first-ever open event since Eurasian New Silk Road Association for Economy, Trade and Culture Promotion was established. Symposium Organizer Chang Jie, Secretary-general of the Association, briefed on the strengths of the Association. The gathering witnessed the active participation of all stakeholders. Nearly 50 scholars and experts attended the Symposium, including high-ranks from Ouhuaitaly, Vienna International Center - Chinese Cultural Association, Vienna Multi-media Association, European Institute of Technology, Austrian-Chinese Economic Committee, Madame Xu, wife of Chinese Ambassador to Austrian, and Dr. Yang Li. The event won high praise from all parties and achieved great success.