Shu Jueting, spokesperson from China's Ministry of Commerce

China has vowed to enhance communication with Central Asian countries, helping them address multiple shared challenges, said spokesperson Shu Jueting from China's Ministry of Commerce (MOFCOM) on Thursday. 

Shu emphasized multiple areas of partnership including poverty reduction, pandemic prevention, grain security and development financing, during a press conference held at the ministry, and vowed to push forward with more bilateral infrastructure projects working together with Uzbekistan, Kazakhstan, Tajikistan, Kyrgyzstan and Turkmenistan.

With the 30th anniversary of diplomatic relationships with the five Central Asian countries approaching, the trade volume between China and the five countries jumped to $50.1 billion from less than $500 million 30 years ago, representing a 100-fold increase. 

China views the 30th anniversary of diplomatic relations as a new starting point to implement middle-to-long term partnerships with the five Central Asian countries, and will also offer enhanced assistance in the post-pandemic era, said Shu.

Global Times