Prime Minister of Kazakhstan Olzhas Bektenov held a meeting with the new Chinese Ambassador Han Chunlin, during which they discussed the prospects for the development of bilateral relations. The main topics were trade and economic cooperation, investment, transport and logistics, energy, agro-industrial complex, culture and tourism. Bektenov noted that a trusting dialogue between the leaders of the countries is a key basis for strengthening the partnership.
The parties emphasized the high level of economic ties: in 2024, bilateral trade turnover increased by 9%, reaching $ 43.8 billion. As part of the course on trade diversification, Kazakhstan focused on expanding product supplies to China, including increasing grain exports. To this end, it was proposed to expand the list of Kazakhstani enterprises in the Register of Exporters to China and optimize the logistics of deliveries for all types of wagons.
Investment cooperation also remains a priority. China is among the five largest investors in Kazakhstan, with 62 implemented projects worth $ 8.7 billion and the creation of 11 thousand jobs. Another 55 projects worth $13.5 billion are under implementation, which will provide 17.4 thousand new jobs. In the long term, it is planned to implement 222 investment projects worth more than $60.5 billion.
Growth is also observed in the transport and logistics sector. Over the 11 months of 2024, cargo turnover between the countries increased by 13% and amounted to 29.3 million tons. In this regard, the parties noted the importance of modernizing existing and creating new border checkpoints, as well as developing border shipping.
Following the meeting, the parties confirmed their desire to strengthen strategic partnership, expand economic cooperation and continue joint work in key areas of bilateral interaction.