Kazakh President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev touched down in Beijing on Thursday, kicking off high-stakes diplomacy at the third Belt and Road Forum for International Cooperation. The event, celebrating the initiative's 10th anniversary, has become a global magnet 🌐 with over 130 countries represented – think of it as the Coachella of infrastructure projects, but with more trade deals and fewer flower crowns.
The Belt & Road Initiative (BRI), China's flagship connectivity program, has transformed Eurasian logistics over the past decade. “This forum isn’t just about railways and ports,” says Beijing-based analyst Li Wei. “It’s reshaping how emerging economies collaborate in a multipolar world.”
All eyes are on Central Asia this year, with Kazakhstan playing a key role as China’s western trade gateway. Young professionals in Almaty tell us they’re watching for green energy partnerships and digital corridor announcements that could create new tech hubs 🚀 across the region.
The summit comes as Global South nations increasingly seek alternatives to traditional financing models. With representatives from Africa to Latin America attending, expect late-night negotiations over everything from lithium mining to AI-powered supply chains.
