At the second China-Central Asia Summit in Astana, Kazakhstan, the network of sister-city ties between the Chinese mainland and Central Asia officially surpassed 100 pairs, marking a major milestone in regional cooperation. Representatives from Shanghai and provinces such as Hubei, Sichuan, Shaanxi, and the Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region signed new friendship agreements with cities across Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Uzbekistan, and Turkmenistan.
This milestone is more than a number. Over decades, these partnerships have translated into joint tech incubators, cultural exchanges, sustainable tourism projects, and student exchanges. Young entrepreneurs in Astana and Shanghai now tap into each other's startup ecosystems, while digital nomads explore immersive travel itineraries along these new city corridors.
For business and tech enthusiasts, sister-city links open doors to emerging markets in Central Asia, from renewable energy collaboration to fintech pilots. Thought leaders and changemakers are leveraging these ties to address urban sustainability challenges – from green transport initiatives in the Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region to smart-city pilots in Central Asia.
Sports fans can look forward to friendly matches and esports tournaments co-hosted by cities in the region, while culture buffs anticipate joint music festivals and film screenings that celebrate shared heritage along the Silk Road. Travelers, too, benefit from streamlined visa processes and deeper local insights, making cross-border adventures smoother and more sustainable.
As sister-city ties continue to grow, they stitch together diverse communities with real-world impact, turning the 100-pair milestone into a launchpad for tomorrow's global network.
Reference(s):
cgtn.com
