The cultural and economic exchanges between China and Central Asian countries started with the ancient Silk Road. The five Central Asian countries, namely Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan, were among the first group of countries to join the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) launched by China in 2013. 

Over the years, quite a number of students have come to China to pursue higher education and work opportunities, thus becoming the bridge connecting their respective countries with China.

Why is the stable and close relationship between China and Central Asia crucial? How has the BRI improved the region? In this video, CGTN invited young people from all five Central Asian countries who have been living and studying in China for years to share their observations.

Voices from Central Asia

Aldabergenov Shad's connection with China started when his mother came to study at Tsinghua University when he was only two years old. Growing up both in China and Kazakhstan, he understands both cultures well, and now he's also a student at Tsinghua University studying biological science. 

He believes Central Asia is strategically located at the crossroads of Europe and the Middle East, which makes it important to improve connectivity and promote regional integration.

"The Belt and Road Initiative is, I can say, a prime example of China's commitment to strengthening its ties with Central Asia and beyond," he said.

Chyngyz Sherniiazov from Kyrgyzstan says every time he visits his home country or other parts of Central Asia, he sees the changes brought about by the BRI right away. 

"We've seen the roads have been built. We've seen how it's helping the communities. We've seen how it's helping the businesses, the logistical supply chain," Shernijazov said.

Now working as the managing director of the Eurasian Business Council, he is also dedicated to connecting Asia. He believes the BRI helped industrialization and created more job opportunities, promoting socioeconomic development and sustainable growth in Central Asian countries.

"For many centuries, China was a rich country, the main trade partner of Central Asia. That was disrupted for several reasons during the Ming Dynasty (1368 -1644). And our trade connection was lost for 300 years," says Ahmedov Javohir from Tajikistan, a postgraduate student in project management and international construction at Tsinghua University. 

But now all these countries are coming together to rebuild and upgrade the connections. "By building infrastructure in Central Asia, China is improving the overall economic and business environment in Central Asia, which also attracts more investment from other countries over the world," said Javohir. "And that leads to improving the living standard of Central Asian people."

"China has invested heavily in the construction of pipelines or railways and other infrastructure projects in the region (Central Asia), which has helped to boost our trade and economic growth," said Amangeldiyev Sapargeldi from Turkmenistan who is pursuing his PhD in energy and resources engineering at Peking University. 

He believes the six countries coming together and working through the Shanghai Cooperation Organization will further improve regional security, boost cultural exchanges and create more cooperation in energy infrastructure. 

"We are living in a time of globalization, and whatever you do has an impact on the other side. So, in this crucial time, it's very important for all of us to have a good relationship with our neighbors," said Asilbek Khonkhujaev from Uzbekistan, an Alibaba Business School scholar and entrepreneur.

Living in China for years, Khonkhujaev speaks fluent Mandarin and uses e-commerce to boost the economic ties between China and his home country, Uzbekistan.

"If we can build a connection back to what we had, I think this is the best opportunity," Khonkhujaev said. "But this time, this initiative has a huge impact, not only on the Belt and Road countries but also has an impact globally."