CAREC Institute Contributes to Discussions about International Aviation Hub Construction in Urumqi

On July 6, Dr. Huang Jingjing Deputy Director One of the CAREC Institute, provided an overview of civil aviation development in the five Central Asian countries during the Urumqi International Aviation Hub Construction Forum. Under the theme “Aviation Hub Connects Asia and Europe, Openness and Sincerity for Win-Win Cooperation,” the forum was aimed at discussing the development of Urumqi passenger transport hub, freight logistics hub and airport economy, and brought together governmental officials, experts from civil aviation administrations, airlines, key airport hubs, service guarantee units, aircraft manufacturers, general aviation enterprises, research institutions and universities from China and Western and Eastern Asia.

Dr. Huang Jingjing noted that civil aviation remains a key sector of the national economies of the five countries of Central Asia – Kazakhstan, the Kyrgyz Republic, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan, improving through increased investment and market. Aviation plays an important role in developing trade, talent and technology, promoting the diversified development of the national economy. However, in order to catch up with the developed countries, the five countries need to continue reforming the aviation industry, moving towards marketization and sustainability, and creating upstream and downstream aviation industry value chains. The CAREC Institute attaches great importance to promoting cooperation and development of the civil aviation industry in Central Asia. Using knowledge cooperation as a bridge, the Institute has established long-term cooperative relationships with the civil aviation authorities of CAREC member countries, universities and think tanks. “The CAREC Institute is ready to support the newly established Silk Road Civil Aviation Cooperation Alliance to develop cooperation with the countries of Central Asia through policy dialogues, research, academic exchanges and training, contributing to the liberalization, commercialization, and development of aviation in the Central Asian region,” said Dr. Huang Jingjing.

The forum was jointly organized by China Air Transport Association, China Southern Airlines Co., Ltd., and Xinjiang Airport Group Co., Ltd, with the support of the People’s Government of Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region of China and the Civil Aviation Administration of China.