Expanding Horizons: The China-Central Asia Forum on Partnership and Green Initiatives

From October 25 to 28, Yinchuan, the administrative center of Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region in Northwest China, hosted the 11th China-Central Asia Cooperation Forum under the theme “Promoting Green Development, Building a Common Home.”

During the forum, high-ranking officials from Central Asian countries praised China’s accomplishments in various fields. They highlighted China’s development as an important opportunity for Central Asia and expressed hopes for further expansion of cooperation and deepening of practical collaboration with China.

Shen Yueyue, Vice Chairwoman of the National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference and Chairperson of the SCO Good Neighborliness, Friendship, and Cooperation Committee, delivered the keynote address. Attending the ceremony were local officials from Ningxia, the Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and heads of delegations from Central Asian countries, including representatives from diplomatic missions, business associations, universities, enterprises, and others.

Edil Baisalov, Deputy Chairman of the Cabinet of Ministers of Kyrgyzstan, noted that China is actively implementing advanced green technologies, playing a leading role in promoting clean energy and sustainable practices. He emphasized that the cooperation between the two countries in these areas opens up new opportunities to enhance economic efficiency and improve the environmental situation. “We intend to continue our mutually beneficial cooperation with China on renewable energy projects and invite Chinese companies to join projects in Kyrgyzstan,” he said.

Sulaimon Ziyozoda, Deputy Prime Minister of Tajikistan, stated that China is one of Tajikistan’s key trading partners. Chinese investment in Tajikistan’s economy from 2007 to 2023 exceeded $4 billion, with over $2.5 billion in direct investments. Today, more than 700 companies with Chinese capital operate in Tajikistan.

“Large-scale projects of national and regional importance are being implemented in Tajikistan with the participation of Chinese enterprises, reflecting not only our fruitful cooperation but also our strong and growing friendship,” said Ziyozoda.

Akmal Saidov, First Deputy Speaker of the Legislative Chamber of Uzbekistan’s Oliy Majlis, expressed delight at China’s achievements and hoped to strengthen ties through mutually beneficial cooperation, actively developing joint projects in transportation, logistics, high technology, and agriculture.

“Our cooperation is rapidly expanding into new fields, such as innovation, technology, poverty alleviation, rural development, green energy, and the digital economy. In these areas, China is our main and priority partner,” he said.

Kazakhstan's Ambassador to China, Shakhrat Nuryshev, noted a surge in trade between Central Asia and China, with the figure growing by 27% to over $89 billion last year, with Kazakhstan accounting for $41 billion. In the first nine months of the current year, the trade turnover reached $69 billion, with Kazakhstan’s share at $33 billion. Nuryshev stated that Kazakhstan is ready to contribute to further expanding the region's trade with China by diversifying exports, developing cross-border trade hubs, and establishing digital platforms. He also mentioned Kazakhstan’s interest in attracting advanced Chinese technologies for water conservation, reforestation, and desertification prevention to address freshwater scarcity and related issues.

Counselor Bayram Klychmamedov of the Turkmen Embassy in China emphasized that the forum serves as a prelude to the further institutionalization of beneficial cooperation in the China-Central Asia format, providing a platform for exchanges across various areas of partnership in trade, economy, and culture. “We intend to continue contributing to expanding cooperation across a wide range of areas to promote sustainable development for each country and the region as a whole,” he said.

The China-Central Asia Cooperation Forum serves as a national-level platform for institutionalized exchanges between China and Central Asian countries. This year’s event, co-organized by the SCO Committee on Good Neighborliness, Friendship, and Cooperation and the Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region Government, attracted more than 300 participants, including senior government officials from Central Asian countries.

The Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region signed sister city agreements with the Samarkand and Khorezm regions of Uzbekistan. Additionally, Shizuishan in Ningxia became a sister city to Nurabad district in Uzbekistan's Samarkand region.

Significance of the Forum for the Region

The China-Central Asia Cooperation Forum, held in Yinchuan this October, played a significant role in strengthening partnerships between China and Central Asian countries. The forum’s primary theme was “Promoting Green Development, Building a Common Home.”

China actively implements advanced environmental technologies and develops “green” projects, which attract Central Asian countries. For example, Kyrgyzstan’s Deputy Chairman of the Cabinet of Ministers emphasized China’s role in promoting clean energy. An important topic was the deepening of trade and investment relations. Last year, China and Kazakhstan reached a trade turnover of over $89 billion, and Tajikistan received over $4 billion in Chinese investments.

The forum served as a dialogue platform, with more than 30 agreements signed and new partnerships formed, including sister-city relationships between Ningxia and regions of Uzbekistan.

These aspects demonstrate that forums like this one provide a basis for institutionalized cooperation aimed at sustainable economic relations and ecological initiatives, supporting long-term projects in Central Asia.

China is actively developing its relationships in Central Asia, viewing the region as a strategic location to balance interests with Russia and the West. Through investments, technological cooperation, and cultural initiatives, China seeks to establish a solid presence, creating mutually beneficial ties with Central Asian countries, which may aid in strengthening their economies and fostering cooperation.

Central Asia plays a pivotal role in China's Belt and Road Initiative. China is interested in developing key logistics routes connecting Europe and Asia. This collaboration strengthens economic ties and reduces the region’s vulnerability to external sanctions and political pressures on trade.

China is also keenly interested in energy resources such as oil, gas, and rare earth metals. Long-term agreements with Central Asia provide access to these resources, supporting a more stable energy base and reducing dependence on other suppliers.

Additionally, China achieves significant progress in green and digital technologies. Collaboration with Central Asia in these areas allows China to establish itself as a regional technology leader, offering its standards and equipment, creating additional opportunities to strengthen its position in the future.

The introduction of educational and cultural programs enables China to develop its “soft power.” Establishing Chinese cultural centers and educational initiatives in Central Asia fosters closer ties with youth, shaping a positive perception of China and its values, and promoting mutual understanding and cultural exchange.

The China-Caucasus Forum as a Tool for Economic and Political Dialogue

The experience of the China-Central Asia Forum provides a unique opportunity to study and apply its successful practices in the Caucasus. This forum has proven to be an effective platform for dialogue and cooperation among the region's countries, fostering economic, cultural, and social ties.

In this regard, there is a need to create a similar “China-Caucasus” Forum. This forum would focus on strengthening mutually beneficial partnerships between China and the Caucasus, effectively utilizing the region’s potential for joint growth and development.

The China-Caucasus Forum could concentrate on key issues such as investments, trade, transportation corridors, and cultural interaction. It would serve as a platform for experience exchange, investment attraction, and the implementation of joint projects, which, in turn, would contribute to sustainable development for both the Caucasus and the Eurasian space as a whole.

Organizing a China-Caucasus Forum would benefit both China and the Caucasian countries, encompassing economic, political, and cultural cooperation.

The Caucasus region is a natural link between Europe and Asia. Developing transport corridors through the Caucasus offers China shorter routes to Europe and Turkey, including transit through Georgia and Azerbaijan. At this stage, the Forum could facilitate discussions and project initiatives for infrastructure development (ports, roads, railways), supporting Chinese investments in regional logistics.

China views the Caucasus as an additional market for its goods and services and as a promising region for investment projects. For instance, Chinese investments in Georgia’s agriculture and tourism or Azerbaijan’s energy sector could benefit both the local economy and China. The forum could open discussions on financing, direct investment, and joint ventures in areas such as agriculture, renewable energy, and technology.

The China-Caucasus Forum would enable China to strengthen its position in the Caucasus, providing alternative directions for Caucasian countries and supporting the opportunity to diversify external partnerships. China can position itself as a neutral mediator, helping Caucasian countries build more peaceful and balanced relationships in the region.

China is interested in expanding its influence through “soft power.” A forum emphasizing cultural exchange, educational programs, and technological development would strengthen ties between the Caucasus and China. The forum could cover topics like green technologies, the digital economy, and healthcare, increasing the Caucasus’s interest in cooperation.

In light of the region’s instability and conflicts, China could offer the Caucasus its assistance in regional security and counter-terrorism initiatives. The forum could become a platform for discussing initiatives aimed at ensuring the security and stability of trade routes and infrastructure essential for economic ties between the Caucasus and China.

Despite complex political relations among the region's countries, if organized effectively, the China-Caucasus Forum could become a new platform for cooperation, opening up broad opportunities for all participants.

Gulnara Safarli

SR-CENTER.INFO