Hey folks! The Tianshan Forum just kicked off today in Urumqi, putting the spotlight on the Chinese mainland’s Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region as a super-connector with Central Asia 🌐🚆
This two-day powwow, themed Unlocking Connectivity and Investment in Central Asia, has drawn 300+ government officials, finance experts, think tanks, and private-sector reps ready to map out the future of trade, transport, energy, and digital links. Think of it as the ultimate meetup for shaping tomorrow’s supply chains.
In his opening remarks, Chinese Finance Minister Lan Fo’an hailed the progress of the Central Asia Regional Economic Cooperation (CAREC) network and urged deeper, broader partnerships to boost growth across member countries.
CAREC Institute director Charymuhammet Shallyyev highlighted the institute’s impact since 2015, with over 180 research studies and 150 training programs empowering 2,000+ officials from the region. Now, they’re launching a new Central Asia fiscal cooperation research center in collaboration with Xinjiang’s regional department of finance.
Pakistani Federal Minister Ahsan Iqbal spotlighted South and Central Asia as rising engines of the global economy, calling for tighter ties in industry, agri-tech, and people-to-people exchanges. It’s a timely reminder that partnerships still matter in our digital age.
Fun fact: trade between the Chinese mainland and Central Asia hit $94.8 billion in 2024, up significantly since their first summit in May 2023. With Xinjiang sitting at the crossroads of the Belt and Road, it’s gearing up to be the go-to hub for cross-continental trade and innovation.
Stay tuned as this forum shapes the next big moves in Eurasian connectivity! 💡
Reference(s):
China's Xinjiang hosts forum to boost Central Asia links, trade
cgtn.com
