The Second Tianshan Forum for Central Asia Economic CooperationStrengthening Resilient Connectivity and Quality Investment in Central Asia
From Priorities to Action: Strengthening Resilient Connectivity and Quality Investment in Central Asia
The Tianshan Forum is a high-level annual dialogue platform for Central Asia, organized by the CAREC Institute in partnership with host-country governments and development partners. Following the inaugural Forum, the Second Tianshan Forum will be held on 2–3 November 2026 in Almaty, Kazakhstan, focusing on mobilizing investment, strengthening connectivity, and advancing economic integration and shared prosperity across the region amid a rapidly changing global landscape.
The Forum is supported by a diverse network of national, regional, and international partners.
Four pillars define the agenda:
- ✓Resilient Corridors and Regional Integration — Strengthen the reliability of rail, road, and intermodal networks—including the Middle Corridor—while tackling customs, digitalization, and standards gaps that raise trade costs.
- ✓Quality Investment and Industrial Transformation — Mobilize public and private capital for bankable cross-border projects in transport, energy, digital infrastructure, and industry, building on nearly USD 60 billion the region has mobilized in connectivity over the past 25 years.
- ✓Digital and AI Connectivity — Bridge the digital divide, advance paperless trade and data governance, and harness responsible AI to turn landlocked economies into land-linked partners.
- ✓Eco-Agriculture and Local Cooperation — Strengthen local governments and people-to-people ties through sustainable agriculture, desertification control, and resilient rural livelihoods.
Forum Overview
Two-Day Programme at a Glance
Seating of Guests and High-Level Group Photo
Invited guests only
Opening Plenary · Welcome and Opening Remarks
Including the launch of the Central Asia Regional Financial Cooperation Research Centre
Opening PlenaryKeynote Addresses
8 minutes per speaker, including a special dialogue with a Nobel laureate
Session 1 · Advancing CAREC Economic Cooperation and Integration
Identifying priority sectors and thematic areas in an evolving development landscape
Economic CooperationInvesting in Central Asia Subforum · Roundtable 1
Creating an enabling environment for effective investment
Investing in Central AsiaInvesting in Central Asia Subforum · Roundtable 2
Driving CAREC’s future through smart investment solutions
Smart InvestmentWelcome Dinner
Invited guests only · Almaty
Session 2 · Strengthening CAREC Transport Corridor Connectivity
Promoting successful practices in transport connectivity to maximize corridor benefits
Transport CorridorsSession 3 · Advancing Cross-Border Digital Connectivity
Sharing experience in digital technology application to drive innovation-led growth
Digital ConnectivitySession 4 · Developing Human Capital for Regional Connectivity
Deepening successful models of human capital development and people-to-people ties
Human CapitalClosing Plenary · Reflections and Wrap-Up
Summary of Forum outcomes and next steps
Site Visit
Site visit details to be confirmed
Site VisitVideos and Photo Gallery
Relive the Second Tianshan Forum through our videos and photo gallery.
Official Trailer · The Second Tianshan Forum
From the Tianshan mountains to the heart of Central Asia — see how the CAREC region is turning connectivity into action.
Opening Plenary Highlights
Session 1 · Advancing CAREC Economic Integration
Investing in Central Asia · Smart Investment
Session 2 · Transport Corridor Connectivity
Session 3 · Cross-Border Digital Connectivity
Closing Plenary · Outcomes and Wrap-Up
📰News & Media Coverage
Official announcements on the CAREC Institute website, plus coverage by regional and international media.
Documents and Downloads
Download the forum brochure, agenda and delegate list to prepare for your participation.
Participant Handbook
Full Agenda
Speaker Directory
Practical Information for Participants
Venue, accommodation, transport, visa and practical information to help you plan your stay in Almaty.
Venue
[Venue to be confirmed]
Almaty, Kazakhstan · exact address to be announced
City
Almaty, Kazakhstan
A leading hub for trade and connectivity in Central Asia
Accommodation
[Recommended hotels and negotiated rates to be confirmed.] Please contact the Secretariat for assistance with reservations.
Getting There
Almaty International Airport (ALA) serves most international and regional connections. Airport transfer arrangements will be announced closer to the event.
Visa
International participants should check visa requirements for Kazakhstan in advance. An official invitation letter can be issued upon request to support visa applications.
Weather
Early November in Almaty is typically cool, with daytime temperatures of around 5–12°C and colder evenings. Warm clothing is recommended.
Currency
The local currency is the Kazakhstani tenge (KZT). Major credit cards are widely accepted in hotels and restaurants; carrying some cash is advisable.
Time Zone
Almaty Time (UTC+5)
Please adjust your schedule accordingly when travelling.
Emergency Contacts
Emergency services: 112 (general) · 103 (ambulance) · 101 (fire)
A help desk and first-aid point will be available at the venue throughout the forum.
Organizers and Partners
With thanks to the institutions supporting and collaborating on the Second Tianshan Forum.
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Get in Touch with the Organizers
For questions about participation, media enquiries or partnership opportunities, please reach out to us.