Western countries are seeking to gain access to Central Asia’s vast natural resources, aiming to turn the region into a mere supplier of raw materials, without offering investments in high-tech industries, Russian Deputy Prime Minister Alexey Overchuk said during the Astana International Forum.
“There is growing Western interest in Central Asia, particularly in rare earth elements. Countries like Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, and Turkmenistan are rich in such resources,” Overchuk said. “We are witnessing a rush from Western states to sign contracts in the region, but this trend carries risks. Primarily, there’s a danger that Central Asia may be reduced to a raw material hub of the West.”
The Russian official emphasized that many of the contracts being signed focus on primary processing, with little prospect for establishing advanced, high-tech production within the region.
“In contrast, the Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU) is focused on promoting balanced socio-economic development throughout the region,” Overchuk stated. “That’s the key difference in our approach.”
GSV "Russia - Islamic World"
Based on TASS materials