Boao Forum for Asia has kicked off a conference in Kazakhstan's capital, Astana. The conference aims to promote cooperation among Asian and European countries under the China-proposed Belt and Road initiative.

Boao's Vice Chairman Zeng Peiyan called for boosting the regional economy through energy and resources cooperation at the opening ceremony. Kazakh Prime Minister Karim Massimov said his country will enhance cooperation with China in all fields.

More than 300 officials, entrepreneurs and scholars are attending the conference. This is the first time Boao has held a conference in central Asia. It is co-sponsored by Boao and the Astana Economic Forum.