On November 27-28, 2025, the 7th Air Silk Road International Forum (ASRIF), a regular conference event of the China International Fair for Trade in Services, was grandly held in Xi'an, Shaanxi Province. Zhao Weidong, Secretary-General of the Global Alliance for Trade in Services (GATIS), attended the forum and delivered a speech.
Zhao Weidong stated that since its establishment in 2022, GATIS has consistently adhered to the principles of "Neutrality, Openness, Inclusiveness, and Innovation", focusing on building three major platforms: Cooperation, Think Tank, and Policy Dialogue. Through various forms such as international conferences, thematic seminars, and policy dialogues, GATIS actively builds communication bridges between governments, enterprises, and institutions. Drawing on GATIS's research expertise and practical exploration in the aviation industry, Secretary-General Zhao Weidong put forward suggestions in three key areas: First, strengthen the alignment of aviation service standards and build a coordinated and mutually recognized rules system. He suggested promoting the establishment of standards aligned with international practices in professional service areas such as air transport, aircraft maintenance, and aviation materials support. By establishing a mechanism for mutual recognition of standards, the facilitation of trade in aviation services can be promoted, providing institutional guarantees for collaborative cooperation across all segments of the industrial chain. Second, deepen the digital transformation of aviation services to enhance trade efficiency and transparency. He recommended accelerating the construction of a "Single Window" for air cargo and promoting digital applications such as electronic air waybills and smart customs clearance. Simultaneously, exploring the establishment of a data-sharing mechanism for trade in aviation services would provide reliable support for decision-making by all parties. Third, expand into new areas of aviation services and cultivate new drivers for international cooperation. He suggested focusing on emerging service areas such as aviation finance, aviation training, and aviation carbon management. By establishing professional exchange platforms, knowledge sharing and capacity building can be promoted, creating new growth points for trade in aviation services.
Under the theme "Forging New Hubs for the Air Silk Road, Creating New Heights for Western China's Opening-up", the forum gathered global wisdom and resources, focusing on core issues related to the high-quality development of the "Air Silk Road". It attracted over 300 participants, including relevant officials from central and local government departments, representatives of international organizations, and senior executives from domestic and international aviation industry, who gathered in Xi'an for this cooperation event. The forum was guided by the Global Alliance for Trade in Services (GATIS) and organized by the Air Silk Road International Cooperation Alliance, the Finance Center for South-South Cooperation, and the GATIS Aviation Industry Committee (Preparatory). It was co-organized by the Chinese Society of Aeronautics and Astronautics and the GNSS & LBS Association of China, and undertaken by the Beijing International Aerotropolis Technology Research Institute Company Limited.
