"The Blue Book of Kazakhstan: Report on the development of Kazakhstan (2021)" is the first comprehensive research report on the annual development of Kazakhstan, which is the result of the painstaking work of Kazakhstani scientists, containing not only an informational summary of the latest data in the field of Sino–Kazakh relations, but also a systematic analysis of political, economic, diplomatic, military and other spheres cooperation.
In addition, the book forecasts the new US strategy in Central Asia and the military-political situation in the region, prospects for trade and economic investments, the transport and logistics industry and the volume of cargo transportation on the China-Europe route against the background of the Russian-Ukrainian crisis. On this basis, various scenarios are considered and practical recommendations are proposed for the leadership of the two countries.
In a separate section of the book, attention is paid to Kazakh-Chinese cooperation during the COVID-19 pandemic. The authors' team notes that Kazakhstan is a permanent comprehensive strategic partner of China, and the COVID-19 pandemic has brought new challenges and opportunities to Kazakh-Chinese cooperation.
In particular, the COVID-19 pandemic has had a negative impact on the implementation of projects of the Chinese initiative "One Belt, One Road". Affected by the epidemic, Kazakh-Chinese projects under construction have faced problems such as a longer cycle and an increased risk of return on capital. In order to minimize the risks and losses for Kazakh-Chinese cooperation caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, the team of authors came to the conclusion that it is necessary to pay attention to the following key aspects:
First, both sides should establish channels for dialogue in various areas of interaction, especially in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic. Special importance should be attached to the creation of an "emergency dialogue mechanism" for the prevention of epidemics and anti-epidemic measures, strengthen communication and coordination on public health emergencies, as well as strengthen cooperation in the field of medicine and health;
secondly, to pay attention to the plan of post-pandemic recovery of the economy of Kazakhstan and key industries of industrial production. To support and develop Kazakhstan, it is advisable to consider the possibility of expanding cooperation in the field of digital economy, transport, infrastructure construction, cross-border financial cooperation, IT product development and others;
Thirdly, to promote non-governmental exchange, promotion of contacts and mutual understanding between the youth groups of China and Kazakhstan.
At the same time, the book notes that Kazakhstan is China's largest trading partner in Central Asia, humanitarian cooperation between the two countries also has a solid foundation and broad prospects.
It should also be noted that this year marks the 30th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between China and Kazakhstan, as well as the ninth year of the "One Belt, One Road" initiative.
Thus, the "Blue Book of Kazakhstan: Report on the Development of Kazakhstan (2021)" is the first annual reference and information publication for all segments of the Chinese population who wish to gain new knowledge about Kazakh-Chinese relations in various areas of cooperation within the framework of the "One Belt, One Road" initiative.
The Chinese reader will receive systematized information about the population of Kazakhstan, its political system, budget, statistics on foreign trade and others.
About all this, and not only, he will find out after reading this book.