China's direct investment in the five Central Asian countries reached nearly $15 billion by the end of 2022, Xinhua news agency reported on Wednesday, citing Chinese Minister of Commerce Wang Wentao's statement at an online meeting of trade and economic ministers in the Central Asia+China format.
The trade turnover between China and the five Central Asian countries reached $70.2 billion, according to Wentao.
The minister also noted that China and regional countries have initiated several cooperation projects in fields such as oil and gas exploration, refining and manufacturing, Internet connectivity, and digital technology.
Trade turnover between China and the five Central Asia increased 22 percent year on year in January-February 2023.
Imports from Central Asian countries to China increased by more than 50% last year (agricultural, energy, and mineral products), while Chinese exports of mechanical and electrical products increased by 42 percent.
The trade turnover between Turkmenistan and China in January-February 2023 exceeded $1.73 billion, a 10.1 percent increase compared to the same period last year.