The Chinese leader called on Central Asian countries to cooperate in eight areas:
The first is to intensify work on establishing an interaction format. Mechanisms have already been created for the meetings of heads of ministries of foreign affairs, departments of trade and economy and customs services, as well as the Business Council. We have also initiated the creation of mechanisms for meetings and dialogue in the areas of industrialization and investment, agriculture, transport, emergency response, education, cross-party cooperation in order to to have universal platforms for the development of mutually beneficial multifaceted cooperation among the countries of the six.
The second is to expand trade and economic ties. The Chinese side intends to take additional measures to facilitate trade procedures, update cooperation agreements in the field of investment, generalize the practice of “green corridor” for customs clearance of agricultural and food products at all border crossings , conduct a thematic online presentation of goods from Central Asian countries, establish a commodity trading center, raise the volume of trade to a new level.
The third is to deepen the interconnection. We will comprehensively increase the capacity of cross-border traffic, increase the capacity of China-Kyrgyzstan-Uzbekistan and China-Tajikistan-Uzbekistan highways, and promote consultations on the construction of the China-Kyrgyzstan-Uzbekistan railway. It is important to accelerate the modernization of existing checkpoints and significantly expand access to air transport markets. I consider it expedient to develop the potential of rail container terminals along the China-Europe route and build a digital platform for universal services.
Fourth, expand energy cooperation. We propose to establish a China-Central Asia partnership on energy development, to accelerate the construction of the fourth line of the China-Central Asia gas pipeline, to continue to increase the volume of hydrocarbon exchanges, to develop cooperation throughout along the production chain and strengthen cooperation. in the field of alternative energy sources and the peaceful atom.
Fifth, promote “green” innovation. We want to intensify cooperation with the Central Asian states in the field of improvement of saline and solonchak soils, water-saving irrigation, to help overcome the environmental crisis in the Aral Sea region, we support the creation of high-tech companies and industrial parks of information and communication technologies in Central Asia. The Chinese side welcomes the adherence of Central Asian states to targeted cooperation programs under the One Belt, One Road initiative in the field of sustainable development technologies, innovation and entrepreneurship, and spatial information technologies.
The sixth is to increase development potential. The PRC plans to develop a targeted science and technology program of China and Central Asian states on cooperation in the field of poverty alleviation, implement a technical skills improvement program, increase the number of Lu Ban workshops in Central Asian states and to encourage Chinese companies to create new jobs for local people. To promote cooperation between China and Central Asian states and the national development of these countries, we will allocate funds totaling 26 billion Chinese yuan in financial support and free assistance.
Seventh – intensify the dialogue among civilizations. We invite Central Asian states to join in the implementation of the “Cultural Silk Road” project. We will establish even more traditional medicine centers in Central Asia, accelerate the mutual establishment of cultural centers and continue the practice of allocating government scholarship quotas to Central Asian states, ensure the smooth running of events within the framework of the Year of Culture and Art of the Peoples of China and the Countries of Central Asia, and to launch tourist railway routes to Central Asia.
Eighth – to maintain peace in the region. China stands ready to help Central Asian states strengthen their law enforcement and defense capabilities, support the efforts of Central Asian partners to independently ensure regional security and fight against terrorism, and intends to develop cooperation in the field of cybersecurity.
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