Tashkent, Uzbekistan (UzDaily.com) -- In his speech at the IV Central Asia-China Think Tank Forum on "Mutually Beneficial Cooperation on the Path to Common Prosperity and Sustainable Development," held today, Eldor Aripov, Director of the Institute for Strategic and Regional Studies (ISMI) under the President, emphasized that the interaction between China and Central Asian countries has shown a steady dynamic of sustainable growth in recent years.

According to Aripov, the first summit of Central Asian and Chinese leaders held in May last year was a clear testament to this trend. He noted that the event demonstrated a high degree of political trust and a readiness to further strengthen mutually beneficial cooperation between China and the Central Asian region.

Aripov recalled that the Xi’an Declaration adopted at the summit, along with the signed documents and planned projects, outlined the future contours of multilateral interaction.

"As President of Uzbekistan Shavkat Mirziyoyev rightly pointed out at the summit, ‘today we have reached a ‘mature’ cooperation based on trust, respect, and consideration of each other’s interests,’" said Aripov.

"Indeed, in whatever sphere we look, we have impressive achievements," Aripov added.

He highlighted that the volume of mutual trade and investments has increased significantly. By the end of 2023, the total regional trade with China reached nearly US$90 billion, up 27% year-on-year, accounting for about a third (36%) of the total foreign trade of Central Asian countries (US$245.4 billion).

Moreover, Aripov noted a steady growth in direct Chinese investments in the region, reaching almost US$15 billion.

Flagship projects have been implemented jointly with Chinese partners in the energy, mining, and manufacturing sectors, various industrial parks and free economic zones have been established.

Aripov also expressed satisfaction that Beijing has firmly established itself as a key partner in developing transport and logistics infrastructure.

With China’s assistance, the "China-Kyrgyzstan-Uzbekistan" multimodal route and the "Khorgos" International Center for Boundary Cooperation have been implemented.

Roads and railways have been constructed and reconstructed, and bridges and tunnels have been built.

At the same time, Aripov noted that China has become one of the key destinations for products from the region. Central Asian countries are consistently expanding the range of competitive goods supplied to the vast Chinese consumer market.

Furthermore, he pointed out that the structure of trade continues to optimize, with rapid growth in cross-border e-commerce.

As a result, Aripov explained, cooperation with China significantly contributes to the progressive development of Central Asia, fostering economic growth, enhancing connectivity, and overall increasing regional stability.

"However, this is no reason to rest on our laurels," the expert stated.

He believes it is crucial to develop a long-term agenda, prospective plans, and tasks for multifaceted cooperation for decades ahead.

In this context, Aripov mentioned that it is no coincidence that President Mirziyoyev proposed holding an expert conference on aligning the national development strategies of Central Asian countries and China during the Xi’an summit.

"Today’s event can be seen as the first step towards the practical implementation of this proposal. We have an excellent opportunity to identify new points of convergence of interests between China and Central Asian countries, outline relevant cooperation areas, and develop specific proposals to significantly enhance multilateral interaction," Aripov stated.

He believes the priority should be making a strategic breakthrough in the economic direction. It is crucial to prioritize cooperation in trade, investments, technology, and innovation as imperatives of our interaction. The economy should become the framework and driving force of mutually beneficial cooperation.

Summarizing, Aripov emphasized the need for joint efforts to transform Central Asia into an essential link in interregional connectivity and the global value chain, revealing its production, resource, and human capital. "This, in turn, will ensure the region’s sustainability against both internal and external challenges, guaranteeing the prosperity of the vast Eurasian region," concluded Aripov.

The event, organized by ISMI in collaboration with the Institute of Russia, Eastern Europe, and Central Asia of the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences, was attended by over 40 leaders and experts from about 20 leading research and analytical centers, as well as heads of diplomatic missions from China and Central Asian countries in Uzbekistan.

The forum is held as part of the practical implementation of the initiative proposed by the President of Uzbekistan, Shavkat Mirziyoyev, at the May 2023 summit of the heads of state of China and Central Asian countries in Xi’an.