CAREC Institute Senior Research Expert Speaks at Xinjiang Digital Trade Training

Dr. Yao Yixin, Senior Research Specialist at the CAREC Institute, delivered a lecture at the 2026 Xinjiang Digital Trade Training Program held March 12–13 at Xinjiang University of Finance and Economics.

Hosted by the Department of Commerce of Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region for the third consecutive year, the training brought more than 200 attendees, including local commerce officials and representatives from tech companies, cross-border e-commerce firms, and niche innovative enterprises across Xinjiang.

At the training session, Dr. Yao delivered a lecture themed Embracing Digitalization: Central Asia’s Digital Economy and Cooperation Opportunities. She analyzed global and regional digital economy and AI governance trends, reviewed Central Asian economies’ AI policies, business ecosystem and challenges, and shared actionable insights to help enterprises tap regional digital trade investment prospects.

She also briefed the institute’s latest digital economy and AI research, as well as key insights from the 2025 inaugural Tianshan Forum for Central Asia Economic Cooperation, followed by lively Q&A sessions on pressing digital trade and AI issues.

The lecture not only deepened participants’ understanding of the CAREC digital trade landscape but also strengthened CAREC Institute’s role as a key platform for regional digital economic cooperation and capacity building.