Central Asia, a pivotal region for the Belt and Road Initiative proposed by China, has witnessed a decade of robust cooperation with China, with scientific and technological innovation emerging as a key driver of growth and mutual benefit. This deepening partnership is fostering a multi-faceted collaboration that extends across economic, infrastructural and people-to-people exchanges.

Energy collaboration 

In recent years, China and Central Asian countries have seen growing collaboration in renewable energy. Projects like the Zhanatas wind farm, the Turgusun hydropower station and the Kaskelen photovoltaic power station are actively supporting Central Asia's transition to a low-carbon economy and diversifying their economic landscapes. 

This dynamic also creates new economic opportunities for China. A 2024 report by the Wind Energy Professional Committee of the Chinese Renewable Energy Society on China's wind power installed capacity highlights Uzbekistan as China's largest export destination for wind turbine generators in Central Asia.

Additionally, Kazakhstan is reportedly considering China for its first nuclear power plant project, potentially opting for the China National Nuclear Corporation, according to Kazakhstan's business news Kursiv Media.

Trade through innovation

Located on the China-Kazakhstan border, the Horgos Yiwu International Trade City has become a crucial bridge connecting domestic and international markets.

The trade city, which is part of the China-Kazakhstan Horgos International Border Cooperation Center in Horgos, northwest China's Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, has transformed into a base for cross-border e-commerce live-streaming. The place has attracted a large number of Central Asian live-streamers, with over 50 hosts broadcasting daily, promoting Chinese goods to overseas markets. By the end of 2024, the place had accumulated over 5 million international followers and achieved a transaction volume of over 100 million yuan (about $13.94 million).

The center has further introduced new models and business formats, including car display and retail, repair services, a traditional Chinese medicine center, and "Chinese and vocational skills" international talent training. 

"China has an open economy and a super-large market, which lays a solid foundation for cooperation between China and Central Asia in infrastructure construction, energy security, the digital economy and green transformation," said Cui Zheng, director of the Research Center for Russia, Eastern Europe, and Central Asian Countries at Liaoning University. According to Cui, in 2024, the total bilateral trade between China and Central Asia reached $94.8 billion, with a solid step towards $100 billion this year, and new growth points such as agricultural products, new energy equipment and cross-border e-commerce continue to emerge.

Enhanced connectivity

With more freight train operations from Chinese cities to Central Asian countries, trade ties between the two sides have been bolstered.

According to China State Railway Group Co., Ltd., 128 Chinese cities have joined the China-Europe freight train service network, reaching 229 cities in 26 European countries and over 100 cities in 11 Asian countries.

The service now carries products across 53 categories and over 50,000 varieties, with high-value-added goods such as auto parts, mechanical equipment, and electronic and electrical products becoming its primary export commodities.

As the second China-Central Asia Summit approaches, the ongoing scientific and technological cooperation continues to serve as a strong foundation, fostering mutual trust, understanding and long-term collaboration for a shared future.