China and Central Asian Countries Continue to Deepen Cooperation to Open a New Silk Road
Central Asian countries share a border with western China, and historically, the ancient Silk Road once connected China with this region. Today, these nations hold significant geopolitical importance for China’s economic growth, trade expansion, and global interests. Since the early 1990s, when the five Central Asian states gained independence, bilateral cooperation between China and the region has steadily advanced, marked by strong momentum and mutual benefits. Cooperation in energy sectors such as oil, gas exploration, and pipeline construction has been particularly fruitful.
In recent years, both sides have expanded their economic collaboration beyond traditional resource-based industries. Investments, large-scale infrastructure projects, and technological partnerships have become key areas of focus. These efforts have not only deepened ties but also created new opportunities for sustainable development. According to statistics, total trade volume between China and Central Asian countries surged nearly 13 times during the first decade of this century. Following the global financial crisis, China's economic resilience helped restore trade relations. In 2010, for example, trade between China and Kazakhstan rose by nearly 67% compared to the previous year, with expectations of reaching pre-crisis levels by year-end.
The surge in Central Asian exports to China reflected the positive impact of China’s economic growth on the region. Muzabalova, deputy director of Kazakhstan’s General Institute, highlighted that China’s robust performance has had a significant positive effect on Central Asia’s overall economy. As a major regional and global player, China is seen as a reliable partner in overcoming economic challenges. Currently, China ranks as Kazakhstan’s third-largest trading partner and Uzbekistan and Tajikistan’s second-largest.
Kazakhstan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs representative in Almaty, Osbanov, emphasized that China’s financial support—approximately $13.5 billion over two years—for critical infrastructure projects has played a vital role in helping Kazakhstan navigate the economic crisis. Meanwhile, Central Asian countries are actively pursuing economic diversification, aiming to reduce dependence on resource-based industries. Recent reports from Kazakh media indicate that China’s domestic reforms and shift toward high-tech industries offer new opportunities for collaboration. Akhkalov, Counselor at the Kazakhstan Embassy in China, noted that China and Kazakhstan have great potential in agriculture, renewable energy, high-tech sectors, and border area development.
The Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) serves as a crucial platform for economic cooperation between China and Central Asian countries. China has pledged over $10 billion in benefits to SCO member states, including Central Asian nations. Experts like Professor Seroyeshkin from Kazakhstan’s Institute of General Studies note that China’s non-political, sincere cooperation is highly attractive to its neighbors.
Safirov, deputy director of Tajikistan’s Directorate General, pointed out that through China’s assistance, key projects such as the North Highway and North-South power transmission lines were successfully completed. Tajikistan has benefited from these initiatives under the SCO framework. Safarov added that the pragmatic and mutually beneficial economic cooperation between China and Central Asia will contribute significantly to regional development and long-term stability.
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