Tuesday, February 14, 2012

Kazakhstan

China Seeks Closer Trade Ties With Central Asia

15 July 2005 -- Visiting Chinese Vice Premier Wu Yi said today in Kazakhstan's capital that Beijing wants to further develop trade relations throughout Central Asia.

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July 15, 2005

Addressing a forum of Chinese and Kazakh entrepreneurs in Astana, Wu said China and Kazakhstan enjoy sound political relations and complementary economies.

She said the two countries should focus on cooperation in the energy, telecommunications, transportation, and resource-exploration sectors in order to advance bilateral trade ties.

For his part, Kazakh Deputy Prime Minister Akhmetzhan Yesimov said the fast growth of the Chinese economy offers opportunities for Kazakhstan.

Kazakhstan marks the first leg of Wu's Central Asian tour, which will also take her to Turkmenistan, Tajikistan, and Uzbekistan.

The United States' top military officer recently accused China and Russia of "trying to bully" smaller Central Asian countries that host U.S. troops.

(Xinhuanet)

[For more on the region, see RFE/RL's dedicated Central Asia In Focus webpage.]

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