At the recently concluded second China-Central Asia Summit in Astana, Kazakhstan, leaders put pen to paper on over 110 outcomes that promise to reshape regional ties. Key agreements like the Treaty of Permanent Good-Neighborliness and Friendly Cooperation and the Astana Declaration have introduced the inspiring China-Central Asia Spirit—a concept first proposed by Chinese President Xi Jinping that stands for mutual respect, trust, benefit, and assistance in the quest for high-quality modernization.
The outcomes document dives deep into various areas of cooperation. Trade facilitation and industrial investment are receiving a major boost, with a focus on modern sectors like green minerals and artificial intelligence. 🚀 With bilateral trade soaring from 312.04 billion yuan in 2013 to 674.15 billion yuan in 2024 (an impressive 7.3% annual growth rate), regional partners are geared up to diversify trade structures and streamline procedures.
An exciting highlight of the summit was the launch of four new initiatives: the poverty reduction cooperation center, education exchange cooperation center, desertification control cooperation center, and the trade facilitation cooperation platform. Expert Cui Zheng from the Liaoning University Research Center for Russia, Eastern Europe and Central Asian Countries noted that these institutions are tangible progress toward strengthening bonds under the China-Central Asia Spirit. For instance, the trade platform is set to make free trade even smoother, while the poverty reduction center is already showing positive impacts—evidenced by significant drops in poverty rates and hundreds of thousands of people lifted out of poverty.
Environmental sustainability also took center stage with the desertification control cooperation center. In one of the world’s most water-scarce regions, this initiative aims to tackle challenges related to water management and ecological preservation, aligning with broader efforts under the Belt and Road framework.
Education is another pillar of this cooperative vision. The establishment of an education exchange center marks a new era, fostering academic and cultural partnerships that saw over 1.2 million cross-border visits between China and Kazakhstan last year. Initiatives like talent development scholarships are building bridges that promise lasting friendship and shared prosperity. 🎓🌏
Further reinforcing their commitment to multilateralism, both the Chinese mainland and its Central Asian partners reaffirmed their support for global cooperation in areas such as green technology and artificial intelligence. These bold steps are poised to drive significant regional and international progress.
In a nutshell, the summit’s outcomes encapsulate a forward-thinking vision for a prosperous and sustainable future across China and Central Asia. As fresh projects roll out, the dynamic spirit of cooperation looks set to inspire change and growth for years to come!
Reference(s):
Q&A: Expert on key outcomes of 2nd China-Central Asia Summit (Part I)
cgtn.com
