Kazakh Prime Minister Olzhas Bektinov attended a Kazakhstan-China investment roundtable during his working visit to the People’s Republic of China. As part of his agenda, he met with Chinese Premier Li Qiang in Shanghai and plans to participate in the 7th China International Import Expo. The primary goal of this visit is to implement agreements between Kazakh President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev and Chinese President Xi Jinping to double bilateral trade from the record $41 billion achieved last year.

The roundtable saw participation from industry leaders in metallurgy, energy, engineering, automotive, coal chemistry, agriculture, and pharmaceuticals. The Kazakh delegation included heads of relevant ministries and prominent domestic companies, highlighting the country’s dynamic economic collaboration with China. Today, around 5,000 joint Kazakh-Chinese ventures operate successfully in Kazakhstan.

Major projects between the two countries include a soda ash plant with Camc Engineering, the “Sastobe” chemical complex with Tianjin Cement Industry, and an explosives production plant with Yunnan Industrial Explosive Group. Notably, the assembly plant for CHANGAN, HAVAL, and CHERY automobiles, capable of producing 90,000 units annually, is nearing completion. Additionally, an investment agreement for Geely, Exeed, and KAIYI car production was signed, representing $150 million and creating 1,000 jobs.

In his address, Prime Minister Bektinov emphasized the strong upward trajectory of Kazakhstan-China relations and the strategic importance of industrial development, calling on Chinese companies to expand partnerships with Kazakh businesses. He noted, “With mutual cooperation, we can open new horizons and improve our collaboration efficiency. Kazakhstan is committed to supporting investors by fostering favorable conditions for each project’s success.”

Chinese business leaders expressed keen interest in Kazakhstan as a reliable partner. Among them, China Huadian Corporation highlighted expanded cooperation in energy emissions reductions, while CHN Energy Investment discussed plans for Kazakhstan’s first coal chemical complex. Additionally, Beijing Jianlong Heavy Industry Group intends to strengthen ties in the steel industry, and Zijin Mining Group plans projects for rare-earth exploration. CP Pharmaceutical Group, Beiqi Foton Motor, ACRE, and Sinotruk International also voiced interest in diverse sectors, ranging from healthcare and automotive localization to high-quality truck production. Darwin Biotech and Fujian Hengwang Investment aim to collaborate in agronomy and metallurgy, respectively, with ongoing projects in Kazakhstan’s Zhambyl region.

This historic partnership marks a robust phase in Kazakh-Chinese economic relations, promising growth across essential sectors.