China to fund public welfare projects in Central Asia with $209M grant

China will allocate a grant of 1.5 billion yuan (approximately $209 million) to Central Asian countries to support projects aimed at improving public welfare. In addition, over the next two years, China plans to offer 3,000 vocational training quotas to the region.

The announcement was made by Chinese President Xi Jinping during the “China–Central Asia” summit, according to Kazinform news agency.

It was noted that the grant will be used to support major initiatives focused on raising the standard of living in Central Asian nations.

"This year, we are ready to provide a non-repayable grant of 1.5 billion yuan to support key public welfare and development projects in the five Central Asian countries," said President Xi.

Furthermore, over the next two years, China intends to allocate 3,000 scholarships for vocational training courses in Central Asia. Xi Jinping also proposed launching language programs in Chinese universities to teach the languages of Central Asian countries, Informburo reported.

For reference, trade volume between China and Central Asia reached $95 billion in 2024, with nearly half attributed to Kazakhstan.