Yerkin Tukumov, the director of the Kazakhstan Institute for Strategic Studies (KazISS), took center stage at the third Central Asia-China Think Tanks Forum in Xi’an, China, on September 21. Tukumov, representing Kazakhstan's perspective, addressed pivotal issues related to regional cooperation, including transport connectivity, digital development, and the expansion of investment attractiveness.
The forum, now in its third iteration, aimed to foster dialogue on modernization amid cultural and civilizational diversity and explore avenues for creating a tighter-knit community of shared destiny among participating nations.
The outcomes of the discussions held during the conference are anticipated to play a significant role in shaping decision-making processes to enhance the socioeconomic landscape of the region and strengthen interregional cooperation.
Director Tukumov underscored a remarkable 26% surge in cargo transportation, amounting to 13.7 mn tons, between Kazakhstan and China during the first half of the current year. Notably, Kazakhstan also experienced a staggering 37% growth in cargo exports, reaching 8.3 mn tons.
Tukumov emphasized the critical importance of converting transport corridors into fully functional economic arteries. He warned that failure to achieve this transformation could result in the economies of Kazakhstan and the entire region remaining at an average income level.
"Connecting transport routes will open up neighboring markets to small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), facilitating trade and creating job opportunities," he further stated.
Acknowledging the rapid growth of the fintech market in Kazakhstan, which stands as the largest in Central Asia, Tukumov highlighted the increasing trend in digital payments and e-commerce. With 78% of the population engaging in digital transactions, he proposed the idea of expanding the transfer of digital technologies within Central Asian countries to create a robust regional digital technology market.
In his remarks, the KazISS director pointed out that the volume of foreign direct investment in Kazakhstan had seen a 12.4% decline in the past year. However, the net investment inflow witnessed a remarkable 83.1% increase, reaching $6.1bn.
Tukumov stressed the need for transparency in investment projects initiated jointly by Central Asia and China. He argued that such transparency would garner social support and encourage the active participation of SMEs in these initiatives.
Sun Zhuangzhi, the director of the Institute of Russian, Eastern European, and Central Asian Studies at the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences, expressed keen interest in Kazakhstan's stance on numerous international matters and noted the positive dynamics in interactions within the Central Asia-China partnership.
Leading think tanks from Central Asia, including KazISS, the Institute for Strategic and Interregional Studies under the President of Uzbekistan, the National Institute for Strategic Studies under the President of the Kyrgyz Republic, the Center for Strategic Research under the President of Tajikistan, and the Institute of International Relations of Turkmenistan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, were represented at the forum.
From China, participants included the Institute of Russian, Eastern European, and Central Asian Studies of the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences and the Europe and Asia Social Development Institute of the Development Research Center of China’s State Council.
The third Central Asia-China Think Tanks Forum has set the stage for deeper cooperation and collaboration in areas of common interest, marking a significant step forward in the region's shared pursuit of economic growth and development.
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