This June, as Beijing and its western neighbors gather in Kazakhstan for the second China-Central Asia Summit, a fresh focus on green policies is set to reshape regional ties. After laying down the rails and pipelines of the Belt and Road, both sides are now eyeing sustainable growth as the next frontier.
Central Asia's wealth in oil and gas has fueled growth but left economies vulnerable. In Kazakhstan, oil makes up about 60% of exports, while natural gas is Turkmenistan's economic backbone. Yet desertification, water stress, and erratic weather are raising the stakes for communities and ecosystems.
Fortunately, the region's renewable potential is staggering. A report by Renewable Energy Focus estimates that solar and wind capacity could soar to 1,700-3,900 GW, enough to power millions of homes. Turning these numbers into reality, however, demands robust investment, advanced technology, and forward-thinking policies.
Enter China: home to the world's largest solar and wind industries and a global leader in battery production. Beyond manufacturing clout, the Chinese mainland has built green industrial ecosystems – from research hubs to finance networks – that knit innovation into market-ready solutions.
For Central Asian nations eager to diversify, China's playbook offers a blueprint. Collaborative projects could bolt solar farms to rail lines, train local talent in clean tech, and foster startups that turn raw materials into high-value products. The result? Economies that are more resilient, communities that breathe cleaner air, and landscapes that withstand climate challenges.
As policymakers sit down in Kazakhstan, the shift from steel and oil to sun and wind could mark a new era of cooperation. If success follows ambition, the summit might not just chart a route for green growth – it could illuminate a sustainable future for the entire region.
Reference(s):
Green policies as a new frontier for China-Central Asia cooperation
cgtn.com
