"The forum has received its first congratulatory letter from the Chinese president this year. It underlines the elevated strategic importance Beijing now attaches to the Central-Asia region."

In his message, President Xi said that under the new circumstances, China-Central Asia cooperation has much to achieve and will achieve much.

This new era of cooperation was marked by the unprecedented gathering of six heads of states in Xi'an in May, when a long list of initiatives were announced to deepen ties.

A meeting mechanism such as the forum is a crucial step in facilitating cooperation.

During the event, senior Chinese legislator Shen Yueyue and deputy prime ministers from Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, and Uzbekistan toured exhibitions and held bilateral meetings.

Officials from Fujian Province inked several agreements to become sister provinces and cities, as well as exchange vocational training teachers with various localities and schools in Central Asia.

lkboljon Ergashev, deputy governor of Uzebekistan's Ferghana region, even proposed the launch of direct flights between Fujian and his province during this occasion.

IKBOLJON ERGASHEV Ferghana Region Deputy Governor, Republic of Uzbekistan "Because without flight, it's too difficult to continue our cooperation. Not only on economy and tourism and other kinds of ongoing cooperations also."

On the sidelines, discussions on women's empowerment, the digital economy, land-sea connectivity, and cultural exchanges were held.

China, already Central Asia's largest trading partner, has raised expectations for even greater cooperation in the future.

DILYARA DAULET Kazak journalist "We have beautiful prospects of this cooperation. I believe that because China is a very strong strategic partner of Kazakhstan, and I believe that we will open new horizons of our cooperation."

Also present at the forum were students from Central Asia currently studying in Fujian. As of 2018, their numbers in China reached 29,000.

HUDAYBERDIYEV BEKDURDY Turkmenistan Student, Xiamen University "My name is HUDAYBERDIYEV BEKDURDY, and my Chinese name is Han Cheng. I'm studying here at Xiamen University, and I'm doing my 4th year in the major of diplomacy."

The forum rotates to a new Chinese city each year, providing Central-Asian guests an opportunity to explore various regions of China. This year, Xiamen's beautiful coastline and Fujian's vibrant tea culture have left a lasting impression on many.

Chen Mengfei, CGTN, Xiamen.