In the layout of logistics going global, Southeast Asia, the Middle East, Europe, America, and Latin America markets are often focused on, while the five Central Asian countries are often overlooked. However, the strategic value of this vast land is extraordinary, and it is not an unpopular option for logistics to go abroad.

The five Central Asian countries are sparsely populated and rich in strategic resources such as oil and natural gas. They are core members of the SCO and a key hub of the the Belt and Road, and bear the important node function of China's westward opening strategy and the efficient operation of Eurasian trains. With the continuous increase of China's digital construction and investment in transportation infrastructure in Central Asia, the shortcomings of local logistics infrastructure are gradually being filled. The continuous improvement of cross-border road networks, accelerated implementation of digital logistics platforms, and gradual formation of warehousing and transportation hubs have created mature conditions for Chinese logistics enterprises to enter the Central Asian market. From the perspective of strategic layout integrity and long-term development potential, Central Asia should become an important driving force for enterprises to expand their international markets and build diversified logistics networks.

In recent years, Central Asia has gradually become a strategic hinterland for Chinese enterprises to invest and expand their business overseas, thanks to its unique geographical location and abundant resources. Taking COSCO Shipping, a central enterprise, as an example, follows the development path of hub+channel+network, relies on the regional advantages of the Longhai Lanxin Railway Economic Belt, takes Qingdao and Lianyungang as the fulcrum, links Almaty and Khorgos as the two major exit ports, deepens the construction of China Europe and Central Asia trains, and organizes the logistics network of the "Iron and Steel Silk Road" in Central Europe and Asia.

The Central Asian region is undergoing a modern transformation, and the Central Asian Summit mechanism is driving regional cooperation into a new stage. Under the framework of the the Belt and Road Initiative, Central Asia actively responds to the demands of the times, and works together to contain conflicts, achieve interdependence and exchange and mutual learning among civilizations in the era of deep globalization. Central Asia is located at the intersection of Asia, Europe, and the Middle East, known as the heart of the world, with a total population of 170 million and a GDP of 300 billion US dollars. It has a high proportion of young people and a high birth rate, and is an important strategic hub and international transportation and trade channel connecting China with Europe, the Middle East, and other regions.

Although the five Central Asian countries have established the C5+1 dialogue platform, they place greater emphasis on the China Central Asia mechanism, as it is close to core development and security needs, and is committed to building a China Central Asia community with a shared future. With its strong economic strength and policy mobilization ability, China has mobilized central enterprises and financial resources to invest in Central Asia through the the Belt and Road, which is unmatched by other countries.

At present, China is the largest trading and investment partner in Central Asia, and the two sides have achieved a historic leap from neighborly friendship to strategic partnership and then to a community with a shared future. With the holding of the second China Central Asia Summit, the the Belt and Road Initiative ushers in a new stage of development. Central Asian countries are seizing the historic opportunity to realize the transition from land lock to land link. Chinese logistics companies should seize the opportunity to expand westward into Central Asia and build a new international logistics pattern.Editor/Cheng Liting