The Second Central Asia – China Industrial and Investment Cooperation Forum Held in Astana
The Second Central Asia – China Industrial and Investment Cooperation Forum was held in the city of Astana with the participation of First Deputy Prime Minister of the Republic of Kazakhstan Roman Sklyar. The main goal of the forum was to develop and strengthen economic ties between the Central Asian countries and China, attract mutual investments, establish joint production facilities, and promote cooperative projects in the strategic sectors of the region’s economy.
The event brought together representatives of government agencies and leading business circles from Central Asian countries and China, including heads of sectoral ministries, major entrepreneurs, and investors interested in expanding interregional cooperation.
In his opening remarks, First Deputy Prime Minister of Kazakhstan Roman Sklyar emphasized the importance of such events in shaping a common economic space and strengthening interstate dialogue. He wished the participants fruitful discussions and successful implementation of their projects.
Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of Kazakhstan Alibek Kuantyrov highlighted that Kazakhstan is committed to developing long-term economic relations with the countries of Central Asia and the People’s Republic of China.
“Kazakhstan traditionally attaches great importance to the development of mutually beneficial cooperation with the Central Asian countries and the People’s Republic of China. Today, our partnership portfolio with China includes 224 projects worth around $66.5 billion, creating approximately 50,000 jobs. The trade turnover between our countries has already reached $43.8 billion, and we have set an ambitious goal to increase it to $100 billion in the near future. I am confident that platforms like today’s forum will allow us to successfully achieve this goal, strengthen interstate relations, and launch new joint projects,” he said.
During the panel sessions, participants discussed cooperation in digital and information technologies, the development of transport and logistics potential between Central Asia and China, innovative approaches in the agro-industrial sector, as well as prospects for collaboration in the mining and metallurgy industry. Participants confirmed their readiness to exchange experiences, implement advanced technologies, and expand cross-country investment partnerships.
Chairman of the Board of JSC “NC “KAZAKH INVEST” Yerzhan Yelekeyev noted that industrial and investment cooperation with China has a steady development dynamic and opens new opportunities for high-tech manufacturing and expansion of cooperation in non-resource sectors of the economy.
“We are seeing a noticeable increase in interest from Chinese investors in Kazakhstan and Central Asia as a whole. Among the potential partners are major Chinese companies such as Fufeng Group, East Hope Group, CHN Energy, CITIC Construction, Dalian Hesheng Holdings, and others. This indicates trust in our region and that China views this territory not just as a market, but as a destination for modern industrial facilities. Our task is to ensure full transparency and stability for these companies throughout the project implementation process,” he said.
As a result of the event, 58 commercial agreements were signed between Kazakhstani and Chinese companies totaling $24 billion.
The forum concluded with B2B and B2G meetings, where the sides discussed specific projects and steps for the further implementation of the reached agreements.
