Visitors look at a driverless car in the exhibition area of the 10th China-Central Asia Cooperation Forum in Xiamen, southeast China's Fujian Province, September 9, 2023. /Xinhua
Editor's note: Ruqiya Anwar, a special commentator on current affairs for CGTN, is a PhD scholar of Media and Communication Studies in Pakistan. The article reflects the author's opinions and not necessarily the views of CGTN.
As the 10th China-Central Asia Cooperation Forum concluded in the vibrant city of Xiamen, southeast China's Fujian Province, government officials from Central Asian countries resonated with optimism, envisioning a broader spectrum of collaboration with China, particularly in the realm of green development. Throughout the event, key regional leaders emphasized the potential and excitement for joint ventures that prioritize sustainable, ecologically friendly practices. This historic event, attended by over 400 participants from the local and global domains, intended to strengthen ties and broaden the frontiers of collaboration between China and Central Asia.
"The green industry holds immense market potential in Central Asian countries," said Liu Zhijun, chairman of a major bus manufacturer in China, Xiamen King Long United Automotive Industry Company, which displayed an innovative, cutting-edge new energy bus in the forum's exhibition area. Liu added that his firm plans to align its market interests with Central Asia soon.
This emphasis on environmentally friendly development serves as a symbol of China and Central Asia's common commitment to halting global warming and fostering sustainable economic growth.
China-Uzbekistan cooperation is also expanding, and there are numerous avenues for collaboration. In diverse industries, more than 2,000 Chinese enterprises now operate in Uzbekistan. Particularly interested in collaborating on solar energy initiatives, the business community in Uzbekistan and the government are prepared to embrace Chinese companies. The welcoming nature of the Central Asian country to Chinese investment highlights the win-win outcomes that can result from sustainable energy efforts.
Since its founding in 2012, the China-Central Asia Cooperation Forum has steadily increased the range of collaboration between the two areas. This year is especially significant since it commemorates the 10th anniversary of the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), and the China-Central Asia Summit in May proved its successful implementation. Chinese President Xi Jinping emphasized that both sides have been at the forefront of promoting the BRI, ushering their relations into another phase.
Leaders of Central Asian countries attend the welcome ceremony of the China-Central Asia Summit in Xi'an, northwestern China's Shaanxi Province, May 18, 2023. /CFP
President Xi expressed optimism about the future of China-Central Asia cooperation, highlighting that there is much to achieve. He urged all participants to take advantage of the forum to enhance collaboration in jointly developing the BRI, fostering mutual learning, and yielding positive outcomes in strengthening China's connections with Central Asian countries.
The 10th China-Central Asia Cooperation Forum was organized by the Shanghai Cooperation Organization's Good-Neighborliness, Friendship, and Cooperation Commission and the Fujian Provincial People's Government. It focused on strengthening amicable ties and deepening mutually beneficial partnerships.
The forum's success and dedication highlight the growing recognition of the necessity of green development. As they seek long-term answers to their developmental issues, Central Asian countries have increasingly embraced green economy ideas.
China's experience in evolving to a more ecologically conscious and sustainable economy can serve as a good model for Central Asian countries. The BRI, with its emphasis on infrastructure connections and sustainable development, matches well with the region's objectives for green growth.
As Central Asian nations continue to enhance their commitment to green development, closer cooperation with China can pave the way for a more sustainable and prosperous future. This collaboration has the potential to not only transform the landscapes of Central Asia in the coming years but also to mitigate climate change and secure our planet's future.
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