Tokayev urges Kazakhstan-China shift to integrated production ecosystems

September 25, 2026 at 02:44 PM2 min

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President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev called on Kazakhstan and China to move from individual investment projects to integrated production ecosystems at the Kazakhstan-China Investment Forum in Almaty on Sept. 25. More than 600 delegates attended the forum, where Tokayev said Chinese investment in Kazakhstan has exceeded $29 billion. He outlined transport, industry, critical minerals, digitalization and agriculture as key areas for deeper cooperation.

Key Facts

Chinese investment in Kazakhstan has exceeded $29 billion, with more than 9,000 enterprises with Chinese participation operating in the country.
Bilateral trade between Kazakhstan and China approached a record $50 billion last year, and both governments are working to increase it to $100 billion.
The Kazakhstan-China Investment Forum in Almaty on Sept. 25 drew more than 600 delegates, including Chinese corporations, Kazakh businesses, government bodies and development institutions.
A Kazakh-Chinese terminal is planned in Chengdu, where Kazakhstan also plans to open a General Consulate.

Investment Forum

President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev opened the Kazakhstan-China Investment Forum in Almaty on Sept. 25, calling for a shift from individual investment projects to integrated production ecosystems. More than 600 delegates attended, including Chinese corporations, Kazakh businesses, government bodies and development institutions. Participants observed a minute of silence in memory of service members who died in the Mangystau Region. Tokayev said Chinese investment in Kazakhstan has exceeded $29 billion, while more than 9,000 enterprises with Chinese participation operate in the country.

Trade and Cooperation

Tokayev noted that bilateral trade approached a record $50 billion last year, and the two governments are working to increase it to $100 billion. He said the ratification of the agreement on the promotion and mutual protection of investments had strengthened the legal foundation for cooperation, while the visa-free regime was helping expand business ties. Tokayev stated that Kazakhstan and China are capable of offering a modern and effective model of constructive cooperation based on mutual trust, openness and common long-term interests.

Transport and Logistics

Tokayev said Kazakhstan is increasing railway capacity, expanding highways and seaports, and developing cargo aviation and border infrastructure together with international partners. A network of logistics hubs has been formed from Lianyungang to Aktau, connecting the Chinese coast with the Caspian Sea. A new Kazakh-Chinese terminal is planned in Chengdu, where Kazakhstan also plans to open a General Consulate. Wang Haiyan, deputy director of the Institute of Russian and Eurasian Studies at East China Normal University, said transport and logistics remain among the areas of greatest interest to Chinese investors.