From September 23 to 25, 2025, the Eurasian Economic Forum 2025 was held in Xi’an, People’s Republic of China. The event was attended by the International Association “Trans-Caspian International Transport Route” (TITR Association).
The Forum was dedicated to the theme “Integrating New Trends in Eurasia and Building a New Model of Sustainable Development.” The organizers included the People’s Government of Shaanxi Province, the Secretariats of the Eurasian Economic Forum and the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO), the Chinese Scientific Center of the International Eurasian Academy of Sciences, the China Development Bank, and the Export-Import Bank of China.
The Forum was opened by Mr. Losang Jamcan, Vice Chairman of the Standing Committee of the National People's Congress of China. The session was chaired by Mr. Fang Hongwei, Governor of Shaanxi Province. A welcome video address was delivered by Ms. Armida Salsiah Alisjahbana, UN Under-Secretary-General and Executive Secretary of the United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (ESCAP).
The opening ceremony also featured speeches by leaders of Shaanxi Province and the city of Xi’an, representatives of the SCO Secretariat, as well as prominent political figures from China and abroad. The Forum’s honorary guests included representatives of government bodies, academia, business circles, and the financial sector of China. In total, the event gathered participants from more than 40 countries and regions.
During the plenary session, Mr. Saut Shynybayev, Deputy Secretary General of the TITR Association, delivered a speech. In his remarks, he emphasized that the TITR is a flagship project that aligns organically with China’s Belt and Road Initiative. According to him, the route contributes to shaping a new model of cooperation between Asia and Europe, strengthening trade and transport connectivity between the continents.
Mr. Shynybayev highlighted that growing attention is being paid to the TITR not only by the participating countries and several European states but also at the highest level in China. The project is viewed as a key transport bridge for transit cargo flows between Asia and Europe. He stressed that the corridor’s development helps transform the landlocked Central Asian countries into vital transport hubs connecting Europe and Asia, opening new opportunities for regional economic growth. For China, the TITR represents a diversified international trade channel that reduces dependence on traditional transport routes and enhances the resilience of global supply chains.
Over the course of the three-day forum, 13 thematic sessions were held, covering topics related to the economy, trade, science, and culture. Special attention was given to the development of China’s dry ports and logistics centers, including discussions on expanding corridor capacity, increasing containerization levels, strengthening transport hubs, and improving the quality construction of the China-Europe Express Economic Belt. At this session, Mr. Shynybayev also delivered a presentation, where he spoke about ongoing and planned infrastructure projects aimed at increasing the throughput capacity of the route and shared perspectives on its future development.
