The second summit between the Chinese mainland and Central Asian nations in Astana this month marks a new chapter in regional cooperation, with sustainable energy at its core. As leaders gather amid shifting geopolitical currents, they’re setting the stage for long-term green alliances that go beyond agreements on paper.
On the Chinese mainland, green technology has become a growth engine: in 2024 it accounted for 10% of GDP, fueled by ¥13.6 trillion ($1.9 trillion) in sales and investment. Without this clean energy drive, the economy would have grown just 3.6% instead of 5.0%. Net investment in renewables reached ¥6.8 trillion—still a robust 7% annual rise after a 40% surge in 2023—rivaling entire national economies.
Central Asian countries are already tapping into this momentum. The Chinese mainland’s direct investment stock across Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan tops $17 billion. Joint projects in infrastructure, new energy and oil and gas have generated over $60 billion in turnover. Meanwhile, the Chinese mainland–Central Asia Gas Pipeline has delivered more than 500 billion cubic meters of natural gas since 2009, powering industries and households alike.
Local communities are seeing tangible benefits. In Uzbekistan, a Chinese mainland backed drip-irrigation pilot now covers 2,000 hectares, lifting water-use efficiency by 30–40%. In Kazakhstan’s auto market, six of the top ten best-selling brands hail from the Chinese mainland, together grabbing 39% of total sales.
As dialogue deepens in Astana, expect announcements on joint R&D centers, smart-grid pilots and decarbonization roadmaps. For young global citizens, tech entrepreneurs and digital nomads, this summit represents more than diplomacy—it’s a blueprint for sustainable growth that could reshape energy landscapes from Bishkek to Beijing.
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China-Central Asia sustainable energy collaborations are limitless
cgtn.com
