On Nov 20, 2025, the 24th Ministerial Conference of the Central Asia Regional Economic Cooperation (CAREC) Program was held in Bishkek, the capital of the Kyrgyz Republic. The conference, themed “Green and Digital CAREC”, focused on deepening regional cooperation in infrastructure, trade, digital connectivity, climate change response, and other key areas. China’s Vice Minister of Finance Song Qichao attended the meeting as head of the Chinese delegation and delivered remarks.

Song emphasized that to promote green and digital development in Central Asia and support economic growth and sustainable development, all member countries should uphold openness and cooperation to create an enabling environment for development; focus on priority areas to advance practical cooperation across sectors; pursue innovation-driven development to unlock new drivers of growth; and expand partnerships to build synergy for development. China stands ready to further deepen practical cooperation with all CAREC member countries and contributes to the region’s transformation, development, and shared prosperity.

Song noted that the Fourth Plenary Session of the 20th CPC Central Committee adopted the recommendations for formulating the 15th Five-Year Plan, outlining a grand blueprint for China’s economic and social development over the next five years. China will continue to advance Chinese modernization, further deepen reform in all respects, and expand high-standard opening-up, and work together with all countries—including those in Central Asia—to foster a new landscape of cooperation and mutual benefit.

During the conference, Song held bilateral meetings or exchanges with Bakyt Sydykov, Minister of Economy and Commerce of the Kyrgyz Republic; Masato Kanda, President of the Asian Development Bank; and Charymuhammet Shallyyev, Director of the CAREC Institute.