Urumqi Municipal Government Delegation Visits CAREC Institute to Strengthen Regional Trade Cooperation

A delegation from the Urumqi Municipal Government, led by Vice Mayor Hou Yong, visited the CAREC Institute (CI) on July 7 to explore new opportunities for economic and trade collaboration between Xinjiang and Central Asia. The delegation included officials from key government departments such as the municipal government general office, commerce bureau, land port service bureau, Shuimogou District government, and the Xinjiang Eurasia Investment and Trade Company.

Director Charymuhammet Shallyyev, together with senior CI staff from divisions such as Human Resources and Finance, Strategic Planning, Capacity Building, Knowledge Management, Research and the Chief Economist Team, warmly welcomed the delegation.

The session began with an overview of the Institute’s recent work and major initiatives. Both sides discussed how Xinjiang’s strengths in agriculture, electric vehicle production, logistics, and tourism could support deeper regional partnerships. They also identified opportunities for collaboration in areas such as smart city development, artificial intelligence, water-efficient technologies, and organizing technical exhibitions in Urumqi for Central Asian markets.

The CAREC Institute highlighted the importance of engaging the private sector and using data-driven policies to promote regional integration. New initiatives, such as the CAREC Business Forum and Tianshan Development Forum, were introduced to strengthen business ties. Other key priorities included capacity building, knowledge sharing in digital innovation and agriculture, and increasing the involvement of local scholars in projects with international partners. Proposals were also discussed for developing a regional medical hub in Urumqi and expanding services trade.

Vice Mayor Hou Yong expressed Urumqi’s strong commitment to deeper cooperation and welcomed practical policy recommendations and expert support from the CAREC Institute. He reiterated Urumqi’s support for CI’s efforts in research, training, and co-hosting major events.

Following this positive dialogue, both sides agreed to work closely together in the future. By bringing together Urumqi’s development plans and the CAREC Institute’s knowledge, they hope to create more chances for trade, technologies, and innovations across the region.