Enhancing expert and multifaceted dialogue
between the countries of Central Asia and China is of great importance for advancing
effective cooperation. This was emphasized by Kazakh State Counsellor Erlan
Karin during the opening of the 5th Think Tank Forum of the countries in the
region and China. Experts highlighted that such a format allows for the
identification of new directions for regional cooperation and the exploration
of the most effective areas for partnership. In particular, the development of
transport corridors, water diplomacy and the introduction of digital
technologies were noted as strategically significant. The forum took place
ahead of the second Central Asia-China summit, scheduled to be held in Astana
this month with the participation of the leaders of Kazakhstan, the Kyrgyz
Republic, Uzbekistan, Turkmenistan, Tajikistan, and China.
«Two years ago, when the first Central
Asia–China summit was held, trade turnover between the Central Asian countries
and China amounted to about $70 billion. As of today, that figure has reached
$95 billion. Of this amount, $40 billion is attributed to Kazakhstan alone, clearly
demonstrating the progress in economic cooperation. In addition, the volume of
cargo transported via the Trans-Caspian International Transport Route has
tripled,» noted Aliya Mussabekova, Chief Expert of the Asian Studies Department
at the Kazakhstan Institute for Strategic Studies under the President of
Kazakhstan.
«This year, the forum holds special
significance because the China–Central Asia summit will take place here. We are
discussing the issues and challenges that will be addressed at the summit. Not
only China and the Central Asian countries are showing interest, I think the
international community is also paying close attention to this event,» said Sun
Zhuangzhi, Director of the Institute of Russian, Eastern European and Central
Asian Studies, Chinese Academy of Social Sciences.
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