Technological and Energy Cooperation in Central Asia - China: New Developments

In the context of Central Asia's increasingly strengthened cooperation with China, numerous significant technology and energy projects are being implemented. From nuclear cooperation to transportation infrastructure and renewable energy development, Central Asian countries are leveraging China's experience and technology to promote economic growth.

Nuclear Energy Cooperation: Kazakhstan and China

Almassadam Satkaliyev, Chairman of the Atomic Energy Agency of Kazakhstan, is undertaking an extensive visit to China's nuclear energy facilities, learning about Chinese management techniques for the entire development cycle, from design to construction and operation of these facilities.

Satkaliyev has visited various sites, from the fully operational Tianwan nuclear power plant, to the under-construction Xuwei nuclear facility, along with uranium mining and fuel production sites, as well as research and training entities. He also met with Chinese government officials and senior executives of major nuclear companies.

Satkaliyev's visit comes immediately after the visit to Kazakhstan by Wang Hongzhi, head of China's National Energy Administration. During that visit, the two countries signed a memorandum of understanding defining future cooperation in the nuclear energy sector.

In 2025, Kazakhstan selected China National Nuclear Corporation to build two large-scale reactors in this Central Asian country. The reciprocal visits of senior nuclear energy officials indicate strengthening bilateral cooperation.

Middle Corridor: Future Transportation Connectivity

The Kyrgyz Ministry of Transport reports that construction of the China-Kyrgyzstan-Uzbekistan (CKU) railway is progressing, while regional authorities are planning around the CKU project. For instance, Uzbekistan and Azerbaijan have agreed to establish a joint logistics center near Baku port and plan to establish a joint Caspian fleet to promote cargo transportation along the Middle Corridor.

Khurram Teshabayev, Deputy Minister of Investment, Industry and Trade of Uzbekistan, clearly linked these projects with the future CKU railway, stating that it will become an increasingly important component of the European supply chain.

During a recent visit to Georgia, Uzbek President Shavkat Mirziyoyev praised the newly modernized Baku-Tbilisi-Kars (BTK) railway. He proposed exploring its integration with the CKU. Uzbek officials have also expressed common interest in participating in the construction of a deep-water Black Sea port at Anaklia, linking this project with the CKU and Middle Corridor.

Energy Cooperation: Diversifying Energy Supplies

Kyrgyzstan wants to diversify fuel imports as disruptions in Russia threaten supply. China has emerged as a potential supplier. China has agreed to supply 3,000 tons of aviation fuel, while negotiations are ongoing to supply an additional 5,000 tons of diesel fuel. The shipments are expected to begin in late July.

Tajikistan is also seeking to reduce dependence on Russian energy supplies and, with China's support, is actively seeking oil and gas fields. China's energy giant, CNPC, has completed extensive gravity, magnetic, and geophysical surveys of Tajikistan's potential energy reserves, with seismic exploration nearing completion. These tests will determine the most prospective locations for drilling exploration, Ilkhom Oymukhammadzoda, head of Tajikistan's State Geological Agency, recently announced.

Kazakhstan: Expanding Technology and Investment Cooperation

Kazakhstan's low-cost airline FlyArystan has launched direct flights between Aktau and Urumqi in China's western Xinjiang province, adding a civil aviation dimension to the rapidly expanding Kazakh-Chinese connectivity, which has so far focused on expanding rail transport and border trade.

China's economic engagement is also expanding into manufacturing. Kazakhstan's Allur automotive company recently signed a strategic partnership with Chinese electric vehicle manufacturer Li Auto to begin vehicle production in Kazakhstan.

Deputy Prime Minister Kanat Bozumbayev met with executives from Hong Kong-based Towngas and Full Vision Capital to discuss investments in renewable energy, sustainable aviation fuel, energy storage, agricultural processing, and smart energy systems. The proposed projects will be developed at Alatau City, which Kazakh officials consider a strategic project to create a regional information technology center.

Al-Farabi Kazakh National University hosted the launch of the first "Flying Hospital" mission under the "Health in the Sky" initiative. The project, implemented in conjunction with the Eye, Ear, Nose and Throat Hospital of Fudan University Shanghai, combines mobile medical services with expanding cooperation in medical education, scientific research, and healthcare workforce training.

Summary of Kazakhstan - China Cooperation Projects

Tajikistan: Expanding Exports and Development Cooperation

The range of Tajik agricultural products authorized for the Chinese market is expanding. Tajikistan will begin exporting chicken feet and chicken combs, along with fresh apricots, plums, and melons, to China under a new agreement signed between the Tajikistan Food Safety Committee and China's General Administration of Customs, according to Asia-Plus.

The Tajik Ministry of Finance and China International Development Cooperation Agency have signed a Memorandum of Understanding on development cooperation, including infrastructure, energy, and other priority projects, according to Tajikistan's state-run Khovar news agency.

Turkmenistan: Education and Expertise Exchange

Professor Yagshygeldi Kakayev of Turkmenistan's International Oil and Gas University visited China to participate in a professional development program at Xi'an Petroleum University and Hebei Vocational and Technical College of Petroleum. Additionally, students from the same Turkmen university are currently in China for practical training at China University of Petroleum in Beijing.

Conclusion

Technological and energy cooperation between Central Asian countries and China is developing strongly across multiple sectors. From nuclear energy to transportation infrastructure, renewable energy, manufacturing, and healthcare, Central Asian countries are leveraging China's experience and technology to promote economic development and reduce dependence on traditional partners. Reciprocal visits by senior officials and cooperation agreements indicate an increasingly strengthened strategic partnership between the Central Asian region and China.

The development of the Middle Corridor is also opening new connectivity and trade opportunities, helping Central Asian countries integrate more deeply into the global economic network. With technological and investment support from China, the Central Asian region has the potential to become an important economic and transaction hub in Europe and Asia.

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