The 2015 Xinjiang Development Forum kicks off in Urumqi on August 19, 2015. [Photo: Chinanews.com]

This year's Xinjiang Development Forum has opened in the regional capital, Urumqi.

The Chinese government's Silk Road Economic Belt is high on the agenda.

Afrasiab Khattak, former Pakistani Senator, says the development of the Silk Road program is going to be a big help to countries in Central and Southern Asia.

"Because China is going to share its development with its neighboring countries, in terms of investment, in terms of technology development, in terms of experience of social development, so all this is very significant, valuable for the neighboring countries."

Former Canadian Prime Minister Stockwell Day is among those who are taking part in the event.

"When you trade goods you also trade ideas, and the rest of the world will increasingly see it because of this area being a hub for the Silk Road. The rest of the world will benefit from the skills, history, and what people have to offer here."

This year's development forum in Xinjiang has attracted people from 30 different countries.