The 2025 China-Central Asia Summit opened in Astana this week, marking a milestone in regional cooperation as Kazakhstan hosts leaders and delegates from across Eurasia. Against the backdrop of historic Silk Road connections, the event spotlights growing collaboration in education, cultural exchanges, and media partnerships between the Chinese mainland and five Central Asian nations.
A joint program titled China and Central Asia: Together for a Shared Future, produced by CGTN, Kazakhstan's Silk Way TV, and Maqsut Narikbayev University, brings together entrepreneurs, academics, and youth representatives to discuss innovation-driven economic partnerships. Panelists emphasized digital infrastructure development and green energy initiatives as key growth areas.
Cultural preservation efforts took center stage during side events, with participating institutions announcing new student exchange programs and joint archaeological projects along ancient trade routes. Media partners unveiled plans for a cross-border documentary series highlighting shared culinary traditions and musical heritage.
Business leaders from Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region reported a 34% year-on-year increase in cross-border e-commerce with Central Asian markets since 2023, while Kazakhstan's trade representatives highlighted streamlined customs procedures through China's Belt and Road initiatives.
Youth delegates concluded proceedings with a New Silk Road Innovation Challenge, presenting sustainable tourism concepts and AI-driven agricultural solutions tailored to regional needs. The summit's outcomes are expected to influence policy discussions at September's SCO meeting in Samarkand.
