On October 18, 2026, as part of a working visit to China, Deputy Chairman of the FPRI Board Manarbek Kabaziyev, participated in a joint meeting of representatives of the scientific and expert communities of Central Asian countries with Rector of Zhejiang University of Finance and Economics Chen Yantai. The meeting was held as part of the International Symposium «Discovering Central Asia: Innovative Pathways and the Development of China–Central Asia Cooperation in the Context of Digitalization».
The meeting focused on prospects for expanding scientific, educational and expert-analytical cooperation between China and Central Asian countries, developing joint research initiatives, promoting academic exchanges and training specialists. Rector Chen Yantai highlighted the historical ties between Zhejiang Province and Central Asia, as well as the growing importance of digital trade, cross-border e-commerce and transport and logistics connectivity. Particular attention was given to the development of the Institute of Central Asian Studies at the university and the expansion of international research cooperation.
The participation of the FPRI representative in the meeting helped strengthen professional ties with Chinese and Central Asian research organizations, facilitate the exchange of expert perspectives on regional development and identify promising areas for further cooperation. Such engagement is important for expanding Kazakhstan–China expert dialogue and advancing academic diplomacy.