Tianjin recorded 8.74 billion yuan ($1.3 billion) in imports and exports with the five Central Asian countries in the first eight months of 2026, up 43.6 percent year-on-year, as the northern Chinese port city moves to deepen economic and trade cooperation with the region.

The city will leverage the China-SCO Port Economy Cooperation Center, officially inaugurated in early September, to expand practical cooperation with Central Asian countries in customs clearance, maritime services, trade, industrial collaboration, and China-Europe freight train services.

Tianjin and Central Asian countries have complementary industrial strengths and a solid foundation for cooperation. Future collaboration will focus on auto parts, biopharmaceuticals, cotton processing, photovoltaic technology, and wind power.

As the eastern starting point of the New Eurasian Land Bridge and a major maritime gateway for goods from Xinjiang Uygur autonomous region, Tianjin has established a network of China-Europe freight train routes passing through multiple border crossings, including Horgos, Alashankou, and Erenhot, connecting it with all five Central Asian countries.

Tianjin also plans to improve rail-sea intermodal transport, expand freight routes, and optimize return cargo supplies by introducing more products from Central Asia. These efforts aim to strengthen connectivity, facilitate trade and create new opportunities for regional businesses.