Ashraf AboArafe reports
Astana, June 17, 2025 — Speaking at the Second “Central Asia–China” Summit held in Kazakhstan’s capital, President Shavkat Mirziyoyev of Uzbekistan delivered a wide-ranging address outlining an ambitious vision for deeper regional cooperation across trade, technology, infrastructure, and security.
Mirziyoyev began by thanking Kazakh President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev for hosting the event, and extended warm congratulations to Chinese President Xi Jinping, praising China’s commitment to regional partnership. He echoed Xi’s sentiment that the countries of Central Asia and China are bound by “centuries-old ties of friendship, mutual trust, and shared aspirations.”
A Region of Trust, A Moment of Challenge
Against a backdrop of global instability and rising geopolitical tensions, Mirziyoyev emphasized the strategic importance of regional unity. He voiced strong support for diplomatic solutions to conflicts, stating that “the use of force is unjustifiable and inadmissible,” and warned that no party benefits from ongoing wars.
“In such unpredictable circumstances,” he noted, “regional mechanisms like our summit become crucial to building a resilient international system.”
Highlighting this, the summit adopted a landmark Treaty on Eternal Good-Neighborliness, Friendship, and Cooperation — a move the Uzbek leader hailed as “historic.”
Trade, Technology, and a ‘Common Space of Vast Opportunities’
Turning to economics, President Mirziyoyev applauded growing trade ties with China, which are expected to reach $100 billion this year. Over 10,000 joint ventures are projected across the region.
He proposed creating a Common Space of Vast Opportunities, uniting Central Asia’s development potential with China’s industrial strength. Among key initiatives he advanced:
- A New Economic Partnership Program
- A multilateral Electronic Silk Road for digital trade
- A Technology Transfer Roadmap integrating private sector and research institutions
- A Regional Industrial Standardization Center in Tashkent
He also called for the launch of an Interregional Council for Trade and Investment and offered to host its first session in Uzbekistan later this year.
Connectivity and Green Growth
President Mirziyoyev underscored the importance of hard infrastructure to match growing economic ties. He called for:
- Development of a Central Asia–China Industrial and Infrastructure Belt
- Acceleration of the China–Kyrgyzstan–Uzbekistan Railway
- Support for the Trans-Afghan Railway, linking the region to South Asia
- A high-voltage regional power grid between Central Asia and China
He proposed creating a Central Asia–China Development Fund to address the region’s multi-billion-dollar investment deficit in infrastructure.
Environmental concerns also took center stage. Mirziyoyev urged the fast-tracking of the Green Development Program 2030 and floated the idea of a Regional Environmental Alliance to combat desertification, restore degraded land, and promote biodiversity.
Digital Future and AI Integration
Mirziyoyev’s address placed strong emphasis on digital transformation, proposing:
- A fiber-optic digital corridor linking China with Central Asia
- A network of integrated Big Data banks powered by AI
- Stronger collaboration on smart logistics, cloud technologies, and cross-border digital infrastructure
“These are the very areas that define long-term competitiveness,” he said.
Cultural Exchange and Education
To foster greater cultural understanding, Uzbekistan proposed creating:
- A Digital Portal for the Cultural Heritage of the Silk Road
- A Common Scientific and Educational Platform, including university and academic forums
He also endorsed initiatives to simplify travel and enhance people-to-people diplomacy through cultural and humanitarian programming.
Security and the Afghan Question
President Mirziyoyev urged stronger coordination on regional security through information-sharing and multilateral mechanisms targeting terrorism, drug trafficking, and cybercrime.
Turning to Afghanistan, he expressed concern over the global community’s “declining attention” to the country’s plight. He proposed establishing a High-Level Working Group on Afghan affairs under the summit framework and hosting its inaugural meeting in Termez, near the Afghan border.
Conclusion: A Commitment to Unity
President Mirziyoyev concluded by reaffirming Uzbekistan’s commitment to open dialogue and pragmatic regionalism. He congratulated China’s representative Sun Weidong on his appointment as Secretary-General of the summit’s Secretariat and expressed confidence in the collective ability of Central Asia and China to build a more prosperous and peaceful future.
“He who goes forward with friends will achieve more,” he said, quoting a Chinese proverb — a sentiment that captured the spirit of the day.
