Trade turnover between Central Asia and China is projected to reach nearly $100bn in 2025, with over 10,000 joint ventures and projects underway — clear signs of deepening economic ties across the region. Speaking at the Second “Central Asia – China” Summit, President Shavkat Mirziyoyev of Uzbekistan outlined an ambitious agenda for expanding cooperation in trade, infrastructure, technology, energy, and regional security.
Addressing fellow heads of state in Astana, President Mirziyoyev extended his gratitude to Kazakh President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev for hosting the event and to Chinese President Xi Jinping for his commitment to regional friendship and development. He echoed Xi's view that China and Central Asia are linked by "centuries-old ties of friendship and partnership based on mutual respect, trust, and assistance."
"You are a statesman of global scale and an outstanding politician of our time," Mirziyoyev said in congratulating Xi on his recent birthday. "Thanks to your visionary policies, China is making dynamic progress and leading technological and innovative growth across Asia."
Advancing Trade and Investment
President Mirziyoyev supported the summit's agenda, including the Astana Declaration, and welcomed the creation of joint centers for desertification prevention, education and poverty eradication, and a seamless trade platform between Central Asia and China.
He proposed the establishment of a Central Asia–China Interregional Council for Trade and Investment at the deputy prime minister level, suggesting Uzbekistan as host for the first meeting before the end of the year. To further facilitate trade, he recommended launching a multilateral trading platform – the "Electronic Silk Road" – within the Digital Belt and Road initiative.
He also advocated for a Technology Transfer Roadmap engaging private enterprises, R&D centers, and universities. To streamline trade procedures, he proposed creating a Regional Center for Industrial Standardization and Certification in Tashkent.
Infrastructure and Industrial Connectivity
President Mirziyoyev called for a Central Asia–China Industrial and Infrastructure Belt, designed to integrate industrial clusters, technology parks, and logistics hubs with the backing of Chinese investment and innovation.
He urged Central Asian energy ministers to align regional energy systems with China and implement a high-voltage power transmission line. Noting significant investment gaps, he proposed creating a "Central Asia–China" Development Fund to finance key infrastructure initiatives.
“Implementation of effective financial instruments capable of supporting major projects of regional importance is becoming particularly relevant,” the president voiced. “I would like to note that while the current international mechanisms undoubtedly play an important role, they do not fully cover the region’s investment needs. According to experts, the shortage in capital investments in the infrastructure development of Central Asia amounts to hundreds of billions of dollars.”
Strategic Transport Links
Emphasizing enhanced regional connectivity, he highlighted the China–Kyrgyzstan–Uzbekistan railway and the Trans-Afghan Railway as transformative projects. He recommended forming expert groups to evaluate infrastructure and draft a Single Map of Transport Corridors ahead of the next summit.
“To develop a common vision in this strategic area, I consider it necessary to instruct our transport authorities to form expert groups to conduct field studies, explore the possibilities of modernizing the logistics infrastructure and implement pilot projects for cargo transportation along alternative corridors,” Mirziyoyev stated.
Green Growth and Digital Links
President Mirziyoyev stressed the need to accelerate implementation of the Green Development Program 2030 and suggested forming a Regional Environmental Alliance focused on desertification prevention, land restoration, and bio-ecological resilience.
He recommended regional adoption of China’s greening practices, including biomonitoring, bioengineering, and public awareness campaigns.
Highlighting China’s leadership in AI and digital innovation, he called for the establishment of AI-driven Big Data banks and cross-border digital infrastructure. He also proposed developing a Central Asia–China Fiber-Optic Digital Corridor to enhance smart logistics, cloud computing, and e-commerce.
Cultural and Educational Exchange
Mirziyoyev backed the Initiative for Facilitating Mutual Travel and the Program of Cultural and Humanitarian Events. He proposed the creation of a Single Digital Portal "Cultural Heritage of the Silk Road", granting access to shared historical and cultural resources.
To deepen academic ties, he suggested forming a Common Scientific and Educational Platform, organizing rectors' forums and meetings of Academy of Sciences leaders.
Security and Afghanistan
Calling security a top priority, he proposed enhanced multilateral mechanisms for intelligence sharing to counter terrorism, extremism, drug trafficking, illegal migration, and cybercrime.
Expressing concern over the global community's waning attention to Afghanistan, he emphasized that it remains an integral part of the region. He proposed establishing a High-Level Group on Afghanistan, with its inaugural meeting in Termez, including Afghan representatives.
“We are deeply concerned by the international community’s declining attention to the problems facing Afghanistan, a country that is not just our neighbor, but an integral part of our shared historical, cultural and economic space,” head of the state noted.
President Mirziyoyev hailed the adoption of the Treaty on Eternal Good-Neighborliness, Friendship, and Cooperation as a "historic milestone" and urged the development of a long-term partnership concept built on actionable mechanisms and projects.
He closed by congratulating Sun Weidong on his appointment as Secretary-General of the Summit Secretariat, affirming Uzbekistan’s commitment to constructive dialogue and practical cooperation within the Central Asia–China framework.
"Such a partnership," Mirziyoyev said, "will promote the welfare and prosperity of our nations and peoples."
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