China (Xinjiang) - Central Asia “Silk Road E-Commerce” Government – Enterprise Forum Convenes in Urumqi

The CAREC Institute and the Department of Commerce of Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region jointly hosted the China (Xinjiang)–Central Asia “Silk Road E-Commerce” Government-Enterprise Forum on 26 June 2026 in Urumqi, the People’s Republic of China. Convened as a side event to the 9th China-Eurasia Expo, the forum gathered more than 120 representatives from government, academia, and industry across China and Central Asia, including Yusupjan Memet, Vice Chairman of the Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region Government; Asset Nussupov, Vice Minister of Trade and Integration of Kazakhstan; and Charymuhammet Shallyyev, Director of the CAREC Institute.

The forum centered on technological advancements, the digital economy, and supply chain innovation. During the keynote session, Li Kunxian of the China International Center for Economic and Technical Exchanges addressed international trade cooperation within the framework of the green and digital economy. Zhong Zeyu, Secretary-General of the China Association of Trade in Services, examined the role of artificial intelligence in advancing China–Central Asia collaboration. Meanwhile, Xu Ping, Chairperson of the China Gate Logistics Group, assessed the shifting dynamics of cross-border e-commerce amid broader industrial restructuring.

To provide businesses with actionable market intelligence, the forum featured a series of market and policy updates. Representatives from the Ministry of Economy and Commerce of the Kyrgyz Republic, the Alashankou Municipal Government, the Chongqing Cross-Border E-commerce Association, and Alibaba’s 1688 platform outlined developments in their respective markets, highlighting local business environments, favorable policies, cross-border opportunities, and available digital support services.

A dedicated panel discussion convened scholars, industry leaders, and corporate executives to assess the current landscape, opportunities, and challenges in China–Central Asia cross-border e-commerce. Moderated by Li Kouqing, Deputy Director One of the CAREC Institute, the panel featured experts–Muzaffar Azamov, Chairman of the Uzbekistan E-commerce Association; Elvira Kurmanalieva, Senior Economist at the CAREC Institute; Chen Biaoxin, Vice President of Guangdong University of Science and Technology; and Zaidulla Tursun, Chairman of Xinjiang Hechuang Meixin Technology Development Co., Ltd.

Panelists offered practical, region-specific perspectives. Azamov underscored the importance of mutual regulatory recognition and the expansion of overseas and bonded warehousing. Kurmanalieva recommended streamlining procedures to facilitate the development of a regional logistics hub. Drawing on the Greater Bay Area’s experience, Chen advised Xinjiang to invest in smart logistics networks and industrial infrastructure. Tursun spoke about a strategic shift in Xinjiang’s growth model, from a transit-based economy to a trade-driven one, leveraging two-way logistics to lower costs. The broader discussion also emphasized the need to cultivate specialized talent, advance mutual recognition of product and brand certifications, and ensure seamless two-way logistics to deepen regional integration.

Through keynotes, market and policy updates, and panel discussions, the forum provided a platform for stakeholders to exchange insights and forge connections. The event has further strengthened cross-border e-commerce communication between China and Central Asian countries, driving forward sustained collaboration and the coordinated development of the Silk Road E-commerce initiative.