China and Central Asian countries are poised to enhance technological exchanges, affirming their shared belief in the importance of establishing and developing mutually beneficial, win-win science and technology partnerships, according to a joint declaration released on Tuesday.The six countries – China, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan – made the commitment in the Astana Declaration of the China-Central Asia Summit.The declaration outlines a comprehensive framework for technological collaboration, emphasizing that all parties will strengthen dialogue on scientific and technological development, regularly exchanging information and sharing insights.The countries also expressed a strong willingness to promote technology transfer and the commercialization of research findings to drive regional economic and social development through innovationBeyond broader science and technology cooperation, the declaration also emphasized joint efforts to enhance agriculture and energy through the application of water-saving, green, and other efficient technologies, along with the exchange of advanced expertise.To facilitate these wide-ranging partnerships, China has decided to establish three cooperation centers focusing on poverty reduction, education exchange, and desertification prevention and control, as well as a cooperation platform for smooth trade.In light of the spirit of the declaration, Kazakhstan has already signed a series of agreements with Chinese companies.
These projects will encompass collaboration on high-voltage direct current (HVDC) transmission, digital energy, pumped storage hydropower plants, solar energy, hydrogen technologies, and joint research and development initiatives."Chinese energy companies are now major investors in Kazakhstan's energy system," said Ilyas Bakytzhan, Kazakhstan's vice minister of energy.
"We aim to further deepen our relationship to create joint function centers to enable high quality planning of the energy system's development, establish joint manufacturing companies to localize the production of certain components of renewable energy equipment, and make joint investments in energy projects within Kazakhstan," Bakytzhan said in an interview with CGTN.Artificial intelligence is also recognized as a key enabler in the digital transformation of the energy sector."Artificial intelligence models make it possible to plan the generation of electricity from renewable sources with high precision," said Bakytzhan.
"It also allows for high quality planning of the electricity consumption by the industrial sector and households."According to the declaration, the countries will collaborate to advance AI development, with China welcoming all parties to join the "Group of Friends of International Cooperation on Artificial Intelligence Capacity Building." They also expressed willingness to jointly promote the implementation of the UN General Assembly resolution on "Strengthening International Cooperation on Artificial Intelligence Capacity Building."  Furthermore, they noted the importance of Tajikistan's proposed UN General Assembly draft resolution on "The Role of Artificial Intelligence in Creating New Opportunities for Sustainable Development in Central Asia," and emphasized strengthening regional cybersecurity for AI development.