CAREC Institute Participates in the 14th Kashi-Central & South Asia Commodity Fair

On August 17, Dr. Kuat Akizhanov, Deputy Director Two, and Mr. Merdan Yazyyev, Senior Research Specialist from the CAREC Institute, attended the 14th Kashi-Central & South Asia Commodity Fair in Kashi, Xinjiang, People’s Republic of China (PRC). Under the theme “Gathering at the Kashi Trade Fair to Promote the Resplendence of the Silk Road,” the event brought together 158 exhibitors and 550 companies from 35 countries and regions, highlighting Kashi’s essential role in advancing regional economic cooperation through the Belt and Road Initiative.

In their opening remarks, senior government officials emphasized Xinjiang’s strategic geographic and resource advantages, positioning it as a key gateway for the PRC’s westward economic initiatives. The discussions that followed underscored Kashi’s significance as a hub for cross-border trade and economic collaboration between the PRC and neighboring countries.

During the opening ceremony, Dr. Akizhanov delivered a keynote speech titled “Enhancing Regional Cooperation through Knowledge and Innovation: The Role of the CAREC Institute.” He highlighted the CAREC Institute’s crucial role in fostering sustainable development, energy cooperation, and economic integration among CAREC member countries, with a specific focus on Xinjiang. His address stressed the importance of leveraging research, capacity building, and innovation to drive regional initiatives, underscoring the potential for enhanced collaboration in these critical sectors.

The exhibition showcased a wide array of advanced technologies and services, including energy storage systems, lithium batteries, and eco-friendly building materials. Tajikistan, the guest of honor, was among the notable participants, along with prominent showcases from Kyrgyzstan, Pakistan, Uzbekistan, and Kazakhstan, demonstrating the event’s growing international scope and its contribution to global trade dynamics.

In addition to the fair, Dr. Akizhanov and Mr. Merdan visited Kashi University to explore opportunities for collaboration. Their discussions focused on joint research projects and capacity-building programs aimed at strengthening regional cooperation and development through academic and institutional partnerships.

The CAREC Institute remains committed to leveraging the insights gained from the fair to drive innovations in cross-border trade and further its research on the Belt and Road Initiative’s impact on infrastructure and energy sectors across CAREC countries. The Institute will continue engaging with key stakeholders from the event to foster new partnerships and joint initiatives under the CAREC framework.