Under the theme "Enhancing Connectivity for New Industrial Breakthrough", the event brought together senior government officials, representatives of international financial institutions and business leaders to explore investment opportunities and regional cooperation. 

　　Wang Chunying, president of China EximBank, said that, guided by the China-Central Asia Spirit, China and Central Asian countries have made steady progress in economic, trade and investment cooperation, as well as regional connectivity. 

　　Wang said China EximBank has continued to expand its presence in Central Asia, supporting development in key sectors, strengthening cooperation with a wide range of partners and promoting the wider use of the renminbi (RMB), thereby contributing to the region's economic and social development. 

　　She called for a more diversified range of financial products to provide tailored financing support throughout the project life cycle. She also emphasized the need to diversify service models by offering advisory services, risk assessments and other knowledge-based services, while adopting more flexible approaches to cooperation with international financial institutions, local financial institutions and professional service providers to better meet the varying development needs of countries in the region. 

　　Zou Jiayi, president of the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank, said investment in Central Asia is one of the bank's priorities. She highlighted the importance of investing in transport, energy and digital infrastructure to strengthen links to global supply chains, promote local industrial development and create jobs. 

　　She called for coordinated infrastructure planning, greater alignment of rules and standards, and improved trade facilitation. She also emphasized stronger energy connectivity, the integration of transport corridors with local value chains, and the use of digital technologies and financial innovation to facilitate cross-border trade and expand access to financing. Closer policy coordination and cooperation among multilateral development banks, development finance institutions and the private sector would help turn regional priorities into bankable cross-border projects, she added. 

　　Kengbeil Dauren, vice-minister of finance of Kazakhstan, said expanding trade and deepening regional cooperation have created new opportunities for Central Asian countries to unlock their economic potential. 

　　He said Kazakhstan has prioritized stronger regional economic ties and is advancing cooperation in industrial development, the establishment of investment funds, transport and customs facilitation. He also called for greater use of regional economies' complementary strengths, improvements to the investment climate and closer cooperation with international financial institutions to turn enhanced connectivity into tangible economic benefits. 

　　A round-table discussion themed "Diversifying Investment and Financing to Boost Connectivity" brought together representatives of multilateral development banks, government agencies, financial institutions and business organizations. Participants discussed investment opportunities in Central Asia and explored financing approaches, including co-financing, equity investment and guarantees, to mobilize more resources for regional economic cooperation. 

　　During the forum, the CAREC Institute and the Asian Development Bank announced the joint establishment of the CAREC Institute Center for Transport and Logistics. 

　　China EximBank also signed five cooperation documents with Chinese and international partners, covering urban water supply, clean energy, industrial investment, financial cooperation and environmental governance. The documents are expected to support regional economic and social development through concrete cooperation.