The 15th Kashgar-Central and South Asia Commodity Fair (Kashgar Fair) was held in Kashgar Prefecture, Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, from August 15 to 19. This year, Pakistan participated as a guest country of honor. In an interview with Beijing Review reporter Zhang Shasha on the sidelines of the fair, Pakistani Ambassador to China Khalil Hashmi shared his insights on the strategic relevance of Kashgar, the role of the Kashgar Fair in fostering regional connectivity, the ongoing advancement of the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) and the broader potential regional economic collaboration. Edited excerpts of the interview follow: 

Beijing Review: What is your take on the Kashgar Fair as a platform? Were there any particular aspects that left a strong impression during your visit? 

Khalil Hashmi: The Kashgar Fair is an excellent platform for bringing people together, not only from the two key regions it focuses on—Central and South Asia, but also from China and beyond. At the opening ceremony, and during a subsequent tour, I saw participants from countries such as Singapore, Laos and the Republic of Korea. It's clear that this fair is more than a marketplace; it's a meeting ground for diverse communities to connect, share ideas and pursue mutually beneficial opportunities.

I was impressed by how Xinjiang, Kashgar specifically, is integrating traditional industries with modern technology. In the energy sector, for instance, while coal remains part of the mix, there is a visible shift toward environmentally sustainable methods. Wind and solar energy are being harnessed at scale, and Kashgar has emerged as a leader in clean and renewable energy.

What stood out was how Kashgar has successfully blended its rich heritage with new technologies and new products. From traditional agricultural products to next-generation energy solutions and smart farming techniques.

The opening ceremony itself was unique. It was held outdoors near a prominent staircase, unlike the typical indoor events in convention centers. It was lively, vibrant and uplifting, featuring dynamic cultural performances that set a welcoming tone.

Our tour of the various pavilions [at the fair] also left a strong impression. Each was beautifully arranged, showcasing a wide array of goods. Although the fair had not yet opened to the public at the time of our visit, I was confident that visitors would find tremendous value here.

What are your impressions of Kashgar during your visit and how do you view its role in the CPEC?

This is my second visit to Kashgar, and each time I come, I'm deeply impressed. It's a city steeped in history, yet full of life. Historically, Kashgar was known as the "pearl" along the ancient Silk Road. Today, it continues to play a pivotal role as a linchpin in the New Silk Road—the Belt and Road Initiative.

Kashgar is vibrant. It is an ancient city infused with energy and vitality. During our visit, we saw a thriving tourism scene, rich cultural heritage, traditional pottery and of course, a wide variety of delicious local food. All of it reinforces my belief that Kashgar is a must-visit destination. I suggest people come and experience Kashgar firsthand.

Like many great ancient cities, Kashgar has long embodied the wisdom and capacity to bring together diverse cultures and ethnic communities. It has a legacy of peaceful coexistence and mutual benefit—principles that remain highly relevant today. Kashgar offers a rich cultural mosaic, where different ethnic groups live side by side, contributing to a vibrant, harmonious and economically dynamic society. This is a heritage the people of Kashgar can rightly be proud of—and one they have every reason to share with the world. 

Given its deep history and cultural depth, Kashgar is also well positioned to contribute to the Global Civilizations Initiative put forward by President Xi Jinping in 2023.

Geographically, Kashgar holds strategic importance. It is not only a starting point of the CPEC, but it also serves as a vital hub for regional connectivity. It has developed world-class infrastructure, from logistics and transportation to warehousing, which makes it a vital northern gateway enabling Pakistan to access not only Chinese mainland but also the broader Central Asian region.

The move to keep the Khunjerab Pass (an international border crossing linking Pakistan with China—Ed.) open year-round has opened up even greater opportunities for Pakistan and China to strengthen bilateral trade. This development is helping to accelerate the pace of mutually beneficial economic cooperation between our two countries.

What are the next steps in the development of the CPEC? What will be the key areas of cooperation moving forward?

Having successfully laid the foundation of the CPEC, particularly in the areas of energy and transport infrastructure, we have made substantial progress. With that foundation now firmly in place, we are entering a new phase focused on deepening industrial cooperation.

This next stage includes the development of industries in renewable energy as well as emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence, the Internet of Things and quantum computing.

At the same time, we are exploring both traditional and modern technologies under the broader umbrella of agriculture. Within this sector, there is significant potential in areas such as fisheries, agri-tech, agrochemicals, animal feed and the production and export of fruits and vegetables. Efficient irrigation methods and other innovations are also being prioritized on the business, research and education fronts.

In addition to these sectors, mining presents a major area of opportunity. Pakistan is home to vast and largely untapped mineral resources, including copper, gold and a wide range of other valuable minerals. China, on the other hand, brings advanced technology, capital and management expertise. Together, this creates a strong foundation for mutually beneficial cooperation.

Given the evolving global economic landscape, how would you assess the importance of China-Pakistan economic ties and broader regional economic cooperation?

The friendship between Pakistan and China is well known—it is often described as ironclad. It is a relationship that is unique and time-tested. As the two countries join hands on the economic front, particularly through the Belt and Road Initiative and its flagship project—the CPEC, we are seeing a model of cooperation that delivers mutual benefits.

I believe this is a win-win partnership that offers benefits well beyond our two countries. Pakistan and China are naturally connected to Central and South Asia, and through Pakistan's geography, China gains overland access to West Asia as well.

CPEC not only strengthens ties between Pakistan and China, but also creates wider regional connectivity. It links both countries to Central and South Asia, and through Pakistan, it opens overland access to West Asia. These subregions stand to benefit from the broader impact of the CPEC, whether in terms of industrial development, technological cooperation or improvements in livelihoods.

Given China's scale and reach, the impact extends even further—to Southeast Asia, East Asia and North Asia. The opportunities are vast, and both countries are already working together to unlock this potential.

But we must also look beyond bilateral cooperation. There is a growing need for stronger multilateralism, fair and transparent global trade rules and adherence to international law.

Globalization, when governed by fairness and equity, benefits all. On the other hand, protectionism and rising trade barriers only undermine collective progress. No one wins in a fragmented world economy—it becomes a lose-lose scenario. We must work harder to build systems that are grounded in enduring win-win cooperation. BR

Copyedited by G.P. Wilson

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