Successful Launch of the “Seminar on Chinese Financial Support for Poverty Reduction and Promoting Inclusive Finance for Central Asia” in Beijing

The Seminar on “Chinese Financial Support for Poverty Reduction and Promoting Inclusive Finance for Central Asia” officially commenced at the Beijing National Accounting Institute (BNAI) on May 19, 2025. This 10-day program is jointly organized by the Ministry of Commerce (MOFCOM) of the People’s Republic of China, the Academy for International Business Officials (AIBO) of MOFCOM, the Beijing National Accounting Institute (BNAI), and the Central Asia Regional Economic Cooperation (CAREC) Institute.

The seminar brings together 26 distinguished participants from Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, and Jordan. Through a comprehensive agenda of expert-led lectures and field study sessions, the program aims to share China’s experiences in poverty alleviation and financial inclusion, fostering knowledge exchange and regional cooperation.

In his welcoming remarks, Mr. Feng Zhanwu, Member of the Communist Party of China Committee and Secretary of the Discipline Inspection Commission of BNAI, extended warm greetings to delegates. He expressed appreciation for the support from the Ministry of Commerce and AIBO in organizing the seminar, as well as CAREC Institute’s strategic partnership. Mr. Feng highlighted BNAI’s legacy in fostering top financial talent, advancing degree education programs, and developing a leading financial think tank. Emphasizing China’s remarkable progress in poverty reduction and inclusive finance, he expressed hope that the seminar would deepen friendship and trust between China and other countries.

Representing the CAREC Institute, Ms. Shuai Shao, Capacity Building Specialist, commended China’s leadership in poverty alleviation and inclusive finance. She praised the collaborative efforts of AIBO and BNAI in organizing the seminar and welcomed the CAREC participants. Ms. Shao underscored CAREC Institute’s role as an intergovernmental knowledge hub based in Urumqi and its partnerships with global, regional and national institutions to deliver policy-focused capacity-building programs across member countries.

At the welcome luncheon, Ms. Zhang Jing, Director of the Academic Affairs Department at BNAI, warmly welcomed participants with a quote from Confucius: “Isn’t it a joy to have friends coming from afar?” She expressed hope that all attendees would feel at home during their time at BNAI and emphasized the seminar’s role in fostering mutual understanding and regional cooperation.

The afternoon session featured a lecture by Professor Yang Zhiqiang of BNAI on “Overview of China’s National Conditions.” Professor Yang introduced participants to China’s rich history, cultural heritage, and economic development through interactive dialogue.

Representatives from CAREC countries actively contributed by sharing insights and experiences during the event. Ms. Saltanat Yeralina, Deputy Director of Kazakhstan’s Ministry of Labor and Social Protection, expressed gratitude to the organizers for facilitating such a meaningful platform for knowledge exchange. Mr. Akhror Kamarov, Chief Economist at the Central Bank of Uzbekistan, underscored the importance of inclusive financial policies in fostering sustainable economic growth and thanked the hosts for bringing together regional experts. Mr. Erkinjon Obidinov, Chief Specialist from Uzbekistan’s Ministry of Economy and Finance, presented Uzbekistan’s recent poverty reduction strategies, emphasizing the integration of innovative approaches and cross-sectoral collaboration to achieve impactful results. Their contributions enriched the discussions and underscored the commitment of CAREC member countries to advancing inclusive development.

The seminar serves as an enriching platform for knowledge exchange and collaboration, advancing inclusive finance and sustainable development across Central Asia. Framed as a key capacity building event, it offers policymakers opportunities for dialogue, skill development, and the cultivation of long-term partnerships in the region.