The Tianshan Forum for Central Asia Economic Cooperation was held in Almaty, Kazakhstan, on Nov 2 and 3, 2026. 

China′s Minister of Finance Lan Fo’an attended the opening ceremony and delivered remarks. Assistant Minister of Finance Chang Junhong accompanied him at the event. The forum, on the theme “Strengthening Resilient Connectivity and Promoting Quality Investment in Central Asia,” was co-hosted by the Central Asia Regional Economic Cooperation (CAREC) Institute and the Ministry of National Economy of Kazakhstan, with the Asian Development Bank (ADB) and other institutions serving as supporting partners. Nearly 300 representatives attended, including government officials from CAREC member countries, as well as representatives of relevant multilateral and bilateral financial institutions, international organizations, renowned think tanks and the private sector. 

Lan said that Central Asia is at the heart of the Eurasian continent, occupies an important strategic position and has broad development prospects. Through joint efforts of all parties over many years, the region has developed a practical, efficient and deeply integrated pattern of cooperation. 

The Tianshan Forum is a new and important platform for advancing Central Asian regional economic cooperation. It should make full use of its role in connecting all parties to facilitate policy dialogue, exchange development experiences, and advance trade and investment, so as to boost regional integration and common development. As an important intergovernmental knowledge cooperation institution in the region, the CAREC Institute should align with the actual needs of member countries and the region, actively advance its own reform and development and serve Central Asian regional economic cooperation in a more solid and efficient manner. 

He noted that 2026 is the opening year of China’s 15th Five-Year Plan (2026-2030). China’s economy has remained overall stable and made progress while maintaining stability, with GDP growing by 4.6 percent year-on-year in the first three quarters, demonstrating strong resilience and vitality. China will continue to promote high-quality development and expand high-standard opening-up, bringing more development opportunities to countries around the world, including those in Central Asia. At the same time, China is ready to strengthen cooperation with Central Asian countries, vigorously carry forward the China–Central Asia Spirit, build a closer China–Central Asia community with a shared future, and support the region’s development into a “golden crossroads” connecting the Eurasian continent. 

On the sidelines of the forum, Lan held bilateral meetings or exchanges with Serik Zhumangarin, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of National Economy of Kazakhstan, and Madi Takiyev, Minister of Finance of Kazakhstan, exchanging views on issues of mutual interest.