Central Asian Countries and China Strengthen Cooperation in Civil Protection and Industrial Safety

The large-scale Special Salon of Emergency Management and Mining Equipment concluded successfully in Almaty. The event was held on 2–3 July 2026 as part of the 21st China Commodities Expo in Kazakhstan.

This landmark international event was jointly organized by the International Exchange and Cooperation Center of the Ministry of Emergency Management of the People's Republic of China and the Center for Emergency Situations and Disaster Risk Reduction (CESDRR), with the official support of the Ministry for Emergency Situations of the Republic of Kazakhstan.

The primary objective of the event was to strengthen long-term international cooperation, facilitate the exchange of advanced technologies in the field of civil protection, and showcase innovative technical solutions for emergency response agencies and industrial safety.

The Special Salon and its accompanying business program brought together more than 75 delegates, including senior officials and leading experts from the emergency management authorities of Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Turkmenistan, and Uzbekistan, representatives of the Ministry of Commerce of the People's Republic of China, researchers, and senior executives from Kazakhstan's largest industrial enterprises, including Qarmet JSC, NC KazMunayGas JSC, Kazakhmys Corporation LLP, Mangistaumunaigas JSC, Bogatyr Komir LLP, and others.

At Pavilion No. 10 of the Atakent Exhibition Centre, more than 20 leading Chinese manufacturers, including industry leaders such as COMAC, AVIC-INTL, SUNWARD, Eastern Communications, and BGRIMM, showcased their latest technologies and equipment for fire protection, emergency response, and industrial safety.

During the exhibition, participants explored cutting-edge solutions in several key areas:

• Digitalization and Monitoring: earthquake early warning systems, monitoring technologies, and integrated disaster risk management information systems.
• Robotics and Unmanned Aerial Systems: unmanned aerial platforms and robotic rescue systems designed for operations in hazardous environments.
• Fire and Rescue Equipment: modern emergency response vehicles and specialized equipment for managing complex industrial accidents and natural disasters.
• Personal Protective Equipment: next-generation protective clothing and advanced equipment for firefighters and rescue personnel.

The business program on the first day continued at the headquarters of the Center for Emergency Situations and Disaster Risk Reduction, where a specialized seminar was held. Welcoming remarks were delivered by representatives of the Bureau of Foreign Trade Development of the Ministry of Commerce of China, the International Exchange and Cooperation Center of the Ministry of Emergency Management of China, and Jergalbek Ukashev, Director of the CESDRR.

Expert discussions focused on cross-border cooperation, the integration of information systems, and the implementation of innovative approaches to disaster risk reduction. Chinese industrial companies delivered a series of presentations highlighting practical solutions for the modernization of mine rescue and fire and rescue services across the region.

The second day of the program was dedicated to Kazakhstan's experience in civil protection and live demonstrations of specialized emergency equipment.

Delegates visited key facilities operated by Kazselezashchita, including the renowned Medeu Dam and Ayusai Dam, and toured Fire Station No. 23 of the Almaty Department of Emergency Situations, a modern multifunctional fire station located in the high-mountain Shymbulak area.

One of the highlights of the program was the demonstration of the medical evacuation capabilities of the COMAC C909 aircraft at Almaty International Airport. Participants were introduced to the aircraft's advanced aeromedical configuration, including an onboard intensive care unit and facilities capable of supporting complex surgical procedures during aeromedical evacuation missions.

The organizers emphasized that the Special Salon has provided a significant impetus for strengthening cooperation between China and the countries of Central Asia, promoting the integration of advanced rescue technologies, and supporting the further development of regional partnerships in emergency management and disaster risk reduction.