August 2023, Lianyungang (PRC) — A delegation of experts from the "Beles" Center for Analysis and Strategy and Astana International University (AIU) visited the People's Republic of China on a working visit.
The trip took place at the official invitation of the People's Government of Lianyungang City and the Secretariat of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO).
Kazakhstani analysts participated in the International Logistics Roundtable "China – SCO 2023" as guests of honor.
During the visit, the delegation inspected key infrastructure facilities forming the maritime gateway for Kazakhstani export:
- Kazakh-Chinese logistics base in Lianyungang port.
- SCO International Logistics Park.
- "Belt and Road" Trade and Logistics Exhibition Center.
The culmination of the visit was a series of strategic meetings held on August 18. On the sidelines of the forum, Kazakhstani experts held negotiations with key intellectual partners:
- Shi Zhiqin, Executive Dean of the Institute for the "One Belt, One Road" Strategy of Tsinghua University.
- Yu Xiao, Executive Secretary-General of the China-Russia Digital Economy Research Center.
- Leadership of the Development and Reform Commission of Lianyungang.
Main result of negotiations: The parties discussed in detail the architecture and roadmap for creating a joint international analytical platform.
The new structure is intended to become an "intellectual hub" that will:
- Provide scientific support for transport corridors (TITR and routes through Lianyungang).
- Prepare applied analytics for the governments of Kazakhstan and China on eliminating trade barriers.
- Unite the efforts of leading think tanks for the digitalization of the regional economy.
"Participation in a forum of such a level as guests of honor and direct negotiations with the architects of the 'Belt and Road' strategy from Tsinghua University confirm the high credit of trust in our experts. We are moving from one-off meetings to systemic institutional partnership — the creation of a permanent analytical platform".
