At the China-Central Asia Summit in Astana, cooperation took center stage. Leaders highlighted centuries of ties and a vision for shared prosperity. As President Xi Jinping said: 'Our cooperation is rooted in more than 2,000 years of friendly exchanges, cemented by solidarity and mutual trust cultivated through more than three decades of diplomatic ties, and taken forward via openness and win-win cooperation of the new era.'
Trade Soaring to New Heights
From $460 million in 1992 to $94.8 billion in 2024, bilateral trade has surged over 200-fold. China is now Central Asia's top trading partner, with Kazakhstan alone accounting for nearly half at $43.8 billion.
Energy Ties: Powering Growth
Since 2009, the China-Central Asia gas pipeline has delivered over 500 billion cubic meters of natural gas from Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan and Kazakhstan. This lifeline fuels China's economy and drives revenues and infrastructure development across the region.
Principles That Deliver
Mutual benefit, respect for national priorities and non-interference form the bedrock of cooperation. By tailoring projects to local needs and fostering ownership, the partnership has built trust and yielded lasting results.
Aligning Visions: BRI Meets Local Plans
The Belt and Road Initiative complements Central Asian strategies:
- Kazakhstan's Bright Road Initiative
- Kyrgyzstan's National Development Program
- Tajikistan's National Development Strategy
- Turkmenistan's Great Silk Road revival
- Uzbekistan's New Uzbekistan roadmap
A Blueprint for Global Cooperation
By prioritizing inclusion, shared gains and long-term vision, the China-Central Asia partnership offers a compelling model for young global citizens and business innovators seeking sustainable, cooperative growth in the 21st century.
Reference(s):
What's behind the success of China-Central Asia cooperation?
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