New rail links and good roads are seen by some Central Asians as a potential springboard for China's expansion even further west, into Kazakhstan's vast and largely empty territory, maybe 20-30 years from now.

ECONOMIST: China still spooks its neighbours

For a US company, the UK - with the same language, similar culture and strong geographic and historic links with Europe and countries further afield like India and Africa - proves an excellent launch pad for international expansion.

BBC: Viewpoint: Looking for innovation further afield