Second Tianshan Forum for Central Asia Economic Cooperation to Convene in Almaty

The second Tianshan Forum for Central Asia Economic Cooperation will be held on 2–3 November 2026 in Almaty, Kazakhstan, bringing together senior officials, development partners, leaders of the private sector and business associations, and experts from regional think tanks to discuss how Central Asia can build more resilient connectivity and attract quality investment.

Co-organized by the CAREC Institute and the Ministry of National Economy of the Republic of Kazakhstan, the forum takes place under the theme “Strengthening Resilient Connectivity and Quality Investment in Central Asia.” It follows the inaugural forum held in Urumqi in December 2025, which drew broad international attention.

The two-day program includes high-level opening remarks, keynote addresses, two subforums and thematic sessions. Discussions will focus on mobilizing public and private investment for transport, trade, energy and digital connectivity; policy and regulatory reforms to deepen cross-border cooperation; ecology-based agriculture and the role of local governments; and artificial intelligence as a driver of regional growth.

Participants are expected to include senior officials from member governments of the Central Asia Regional Economic Cooperation (CAREC) Program, development partners such as multilateral and bilateral development agencies, international organizations and financial institutions, leaders from the private sector and business associations, and experts from regional think tanks.

The Export-Import Bank of China and the People’s Government of the Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region co-organize the “Investing in Central Asia” and “Local Government Cooperation ” subforums, respectively. The Asian Development Bank is the forum’s strategic partner, with additional support from a range of international institutions and companies.