Astana, Kazakhstan, CICA Finance Summit, 8 September 2026
Distinguished Guests,
Ladies and Gentlemen,
It is a great pleasure to address this distinguished gathering and to continue our discussion on strengthening financial cooperation in the CICA region.
Following the inaugural CICA Finance Summit, this conference provides an important opportunity to further explore how we can translate our shared vision into practical cooperation and tangible results.
The discussions we have had around the Finance Summit have demonstrated that financial cooperation is becoming an increasingly important dimension of regional cooperation. It is closely linked to economic resilience, investment, connectivity and sustainable development.
Asia remains one of the most dynamic regions of the global economy. At the same time, our countries face common challenges-from economic uncertainty and changing investment patterns to climate-related risks and rapid technological transformation.
These challenges require stronger cooperation and innovative approaches.
In this context, I would like to highlight several areas where I believe there is significant potential for CICA cooperation.
First, digital finance and financial technologies.
Digital transformation is changing financial services and creating new opportunities for businesses and consumers. Greater exchange of experience in fintech, digital payments and innovative financial solutions can contribute to more efficient and accessible financial systems across our region.
Second, sustainable finance.
The transition towards sustainable growth requires substantial investment. Green infrastructure, renewable energy, sustainable transport and climate-resilient development will require the mobilization of both public and private capital.
CICA can provide a platform for sharing experience, strengthening dialogue and exploring opportunities for cooperation in this area.
Third, financial inclusion and support for SMEs.
Small and medium-sized enterprises are at the heart of our economies and are an important source of employment and innovation. Yet access to affordable financing remains a challenge in many countries.
Expanding access to financial services, developing new financing instruments and facilitating connections between SMEs and investors can make an important contribution to inclusive growth.
Fourth, investment and regional connectivity.
Financial cooperation should ultimately support real economic activity.
Our region has considerable potential for investment in infrastructure, trade, logistics, energy and technology. Strengthening financial connectivity can help create new opportunities for investors, businesses and financial institutions.
Ladies and Gentlemen,
The role of CICA is to bring countries and stakeholders together, facilitate dialogue and identify areas where cooperation can generate real added value.
The establishment of the CICA Finance Summit provides a new framework for this work. But the success of this initiative will depend on our ability to move beyond dialogue and develop practical follow-up.
We should therefore focus on concrete outcomes: identifying areas of common interest, building partnerships, sharing expertise and supporting initiatives that can have a real impact on our economies.
The CICA Secretariat stands ready to facilitate this process and to support further engagement among Member States and relevant partners.
I am confident that today’s conference will contribute to building a stronger, more connected and more inclusive financial environment across the CICA region.
Let us continue to turn our shared vision into practical cooperation — and financial cooperation into sustainable growth and shared prosperity.
Thank you.
