CAREC Institute Participates in 15th Kashi–Central and South Asia Commodity Fair

The CAREC Institute attended the 15th Kashi–Central and South Asia Commodity Fair with a delegation led by Director Charymuhammet Shallyyev, joined by Deputy Director One Professor Li Kouqing and Mr. Hu Xiao, Chief of Human Resources and Finance. The delegation took part in high-level meetings and discussions to strengthen economic cooperation, promote academic collaboration, and enhance policy support across the region.

The fair, which began on August 15 in Kashi Prefecture, Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, brought together participants from 40 countries and regions, including CAREC member countries such as Kazakhstan, the Kyrgyz Republic, Uzbekistan, Georgia, Azerbaijan, and Pakistan. A total of 181 overseas enterprises and 1,120 domestic companies showcased a wide range of products, covering areas such as investment cooperation, international trade, and domestic trade. Serving as a key platform for regional economic cooperation, the event attracted exhibitors and visitors from Central Asia, South Asia, and beyond.

On August 14, Director Shallyyev spoke at a group meeting of international participants together with the Kashi leadership. He emphasized Kashi’s growing importance as a strategic hub for the Belt and Road Initiative. He highlighted major infrastructure projects, such as the China–Kyrgyzstan–Uzbekistan Railway and the Xinjiang Pilot Free Trade Zone, which will further enhance Kashi’s role in regional trade and connectivity. He also reaffirmed the Institute’s commitment to research, capacity building, and policy advice throughout the CAREC region, and announced the upcoming Tianshan Forum for Central Asia Economic Cooperation, scheduled for December 2025 in Urumqi. The forum will coincide with the Institute’s 10th anniversary in the region.

During the visit, the delegation also met with Mr. Wu Xiaobin, Executive Deputy Commissioner of the Kashi Prefectural Administrative Office. Both sides discussed opportunities for future cooperation, including organizing relevant international seminars during future Commodity Fair and its advisory support for Kashi’s cooperation with neighboring countries.

In addition, Deputy Director One Professor Li Kouqing visited Kashi University to engage in discussions on academic research, capacity development, and knowledge exchange, further strengthening the Institute’s role as a bridge for regional intellectual cooperation.