Casebook released in Kazakhstan on ESG-oriented China-Central Asia cooperation

This photo taken on July 15, 2026 shows copies of a casebook titled "ESG in Action across Central Asia: Outstanding Practice Cases." A symposium on deepening cooperation between China and Central Asia under the framework of Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) has been held in Astana, the capital of Kazakhstan. The casebook was released at the event on Wednesday, highlighting business operation successes featuring sustainability and ethical impact under the framework of ESG. (Photo by Kalizhan Ospanov/Xinhua)

ASTANA, July 16 (Xinhua) -- A symposium on deepening cooperation between China and Central Asia under the framework of Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) has been held in Astana, the capital of Kazakhstan.

At the event on Wednesday, a casebook titled "ESG in Action across Central Asia: Outstanding Practice Cases" was released, highlighting business operation successes featuring sustainability and ethical impact under the framework of ESG.

In a speech, Su Yu, minister-counselor at the Chinese Embassy in Kazakhstan, said that the casebook shows the ESG concept has become a shared guide for deepening China-Kazakhstan cooperation, noting that more than 10,000 Chinese-funded companies are now hosted in Kazakhstan.

Ji Lei, vice president of China Economic Information Service (CEIS), said the casebook covers a wide range of sectors, such as energy, agriculture, infrastructure and finance, while expressing hope that it will be inspirational to policymakers, business people and researchers.

The casebook features 13 cases illustrating how companies across Central Asia are turning sustainable development principles into practical action. The approaches showcased are both replicable and adaptable across the region.

The selected cases include the right-bank Amu Darya River gas project in Turkmenistan improving living conditions for local villagers, and Chinese agricultural scientists turning lakeside wastelands by the Aral Sea into cotton farms.

"What makes the collection of cases released today particularly valuable is that it presents real ESG practices that have already proved successful in Central Asia," said Meerim Kozhokmatova, vice president of the Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Kyrgyzstan.

"These are not simply theories. They are practical experiences that could inspire new cross-border initiatives and lay the groundwork for long-term regional cooperation," she added.

Among the event's organizers were the CEIS, the BRI (Belt and Road Initiative) International Green Development Coalition, and the China General Chamber of Commerce in Kazakhstan.

This photo taken on July 15, 2026 shows a scene of a symposium on deepening cooperation between China and Central Asia under the framework of Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) held in Astana, Kazakhstan. A casebook titled "ESG in Action across Central Asia: Outstanding Practice Cases was released at the event on Wednesday, highlighting business operation successes featuring sustainability and ethical impact under the framework of ESG. (Photo by Kalizhan Ospanov/Xinhua)