On October 26, the 11th China-Central Asia Cooperation Forum opened in Yinchuan, Ningxia, co-hosted by the Shanghai Cooperation Organization’s Friendly Neighbor Committee and the People’s Government of Ningxia. Over 300 leaders and officials from Central Asian countries, along with representatives from around the world, gathered for this significant event.
The forum, themed “Promoting Green Development and Building a Common Home,” features four sub-forums focused on industrial green development, modern agriculture and technological innovation, city partnerships and cultural exchanges, and regional cooperation discussions. In addition to these discussions, the event is showcasing a photo exhibition on China-Central Asia cooperation, planting a friendship forest for Chinese and Central Asian youth, organizing a youth friendship camp, unveiling a center for the exhibition and sale of Central Asian specialty products, as well as signing project agreements. The goal is to strengthen friendly ties between China and Central Asian nations, deepen exchanges and cooperation, and expand practical collaboration in trade, investment, culture, technology, digital economy, and modern agriculture.
During the opening ceremony, the “Yinchuan Initiative of the 11th China-Central Asia Cooperation Forum” was announced. This initiative emphasizes the commitment of China and the five Central Asian countries to continue promoting trade development, enhancing trade structure diversification, expanding industrial cooperation, and fostering collaboration in emerging fields such as digital trade and the green economy. It also highlights active engagement in smart agriculture and the application of technologies in areas like farming and animal husbandry, water conservation, desertification control, and pest management. The aim is to bolster the resilience of agricultural systems and promote sustainable development.
Furthermore, the initiative calls for strengthening cooperation in sectors including culture, education, health, tourism, media, and think tanks, along with enhancing cultural exchanges, advancing youth friendships, and fostering mutual understanding and camaraderie. It ultimately seeks to deepen connections and foster mutual learning between China and Central Asian countries.
Established in 2012, the China-Central Asia Cooperation Forum serves as a national-level cooperation platform for institutionalized exchanges between China and Central Asian nations. Over the past decade, it has successfully enriched the concept of China-Central Asia cooperation and has become an essential platform for promoting regional friendship and achieving mutually beneficial outcomes.
