As leaders gather in Astana for the second China-Central Asia Summit, a quiet revolution is reshaping economic ties across the region. Chinese direct investment in Central Asia has reached $27.7 billion, but the real story lies in what – not just how much – Beijing is funding.
Gone are the days of purely resource extraction. Today, 85% of China's power sector investments in Uzbekistan fuel solar panels and hydropower turbines. From Kazakhstan's wind farms to Kyrgyzstan's grid modernization, renewable energy projects now dominate the agenda.
The numbers tell a compelling story:
A new cross-border railway slashing freight times by 8 days
Manufacturing hubs rising in former mining towns
Smart infrastructure linking landlocked nations to global markets
This strategic pivot through Belt and Road cooperation addresses Central Asia's dual challenge: achieving energy security while reducing carbon footprints. For business leaders, it signals emerging opportunities in green tech and logistics. For policymakers, it offers a blueprint for sustainable development in resource-rich economies.
As the summit continues, all eyes remain on how this investment transformation will reshape regional trade patterns and position Central Asia as a key player in Eurasia's economic future.
