East Kazakhstan to build $110bn tenge auto plant with Chinese investors

September 25, 2026 at 01:45 PM2 min

This digest was compiled by AI from multiple sources — links to the originals are below.

East Kazakhstan region signed an agreement with East Motors Corporation to build an automotive complex with at least 110 billion tenge in investment. The plant will produce up to 80,000 vehicles per year, including passenger cars, trucks, and engines. The project was announced at the Kazakhstan-China investment forum.

Key Facts

The project requires at least 110 billion tenge in total investment.
Annual production capacity is planned at up to 80,000 vehicles.
Passenger car production alone is valued at 77.85 billion tenge with a target of 25,000 cars per year.
Truck and special equipment production assets must total at least 15.14 billion tenge with capacity from 10,000 units per year.
The investor is East Motors Corporation, linked to Dong Feng Kazakhstan and Tricar Motors.

Investment Agreement

The agreement was signed at the Kazakhstan-China investment forum by the akim of East Kazakhstan region and East Motors Corporation. The complex will produce passenger cars, specialized equipment, and modern engines. Total investment must be at least 110 billion tenge. The project includes a phased transition from large-knot (DKD/SKD) to small-knot (CKD) assembly with welding and painting production. Localization is planned to reach 50% with subsequent increase.

Production Targets

Passenger car production requires 77.85 billion tenge in investment and output of at least 25,000 cars per year. An additional 8.65 billion tenge is allocated for fixed assets. Truck, tractor, and special equipment production assets must total at least 15.14 billion tenge with capacity from 10,000 units per year. The plant will include welding, painting, and assembly, as well as production of bodies, cabins, and equipment. Vehicles are planned for export to EAEU states, Central Asian countries, and other foreign markets.

Investor Background

East Motors Corporation is owned by Dong Feng Kazakhstan, possibly linked to Chinese automaker Dongfeng, and Tricar Motors. Tricar Motors owners include Serik Azhimuratov, Karakat Mukhamadieva, Dmitry Nesterov, and through another company Serikzhan Bayakhmetov and Zhanna Shakenova. Earlier reports discussed launching production at the former Asia Auto plant site in Ust-Kamenogorsk. Chinese Dongfeng Motor Corporation was among potential participants.