Kazakhstan and China Boost Strategic Ties in Trade, Transport, and Agriculture
Beijing, The Gulf Observer: Kazakhstan’s Prime Minister Olzhas Bektenov met with Chinese Premier Li Qiang to advance trade and economic cooperation, in line with strategic goals set by their respective Heads of State. The leaders reviewed progress and outlined future collaboration in trade, investment, transportation, logistics, agriculture, energy, tourism, and cultural ties, according to Primeminister.kz.
Prime Minister Bektenov highlighted the positive momentum in Kazakhstan-China relations, with bilateral trade reaching $33 billion in the first nine months of 2024. President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev has emphasized deepening cooperation with China, Kazakhstan’s largest trading partner, marking a “golden 30th anniversary” of strong ties. In line with these priorities, Kazakhstan aims to boost trade turnover with China and expand mutual trade, particularly by enhancing exports of value-added products across 180 categories, including items from the metallurgical, petrochemical, and engineering sectors.
Agricultural cooperation remains a cornerstone of the bilateral relationship. In the first nine months of 2024, trade in the agro-industrial sector grew by 5.8%, reflecting China’s demand for Kazakh organic agricultural products. Discussions included expanding exports of Kazakh grain, livestock, and other food products, as well as certifying additional Kazakh enterprises to meet China’s growing agricultural needs.
The two leaders also addressed joint efforts to improve transport and logistics. Kazakhstan serves as a major transit route for Chinese exports to Europe, with over 80% of land transportation passing through the country. Prime Minister Bektenov expressed Kazakhstan’s commitment to advancing the Belt and Road Initiative and the Trans-Caspian International Transport Route. Notably, container transportation between China and Europe surged, aided by the opening of a Kazakh logistics center in Xi’an and a new container hub under construction at the Port of Aktau.
In addition, both sides emphasized the importance of streamlined customs processes, as road cargo transport increased by 60% this year. Plans for new border checkpoints in the Almaty and East Kazakhstan regions aim to support this growth.
Premier Li Qiang praised the longstanding friendship between China and Kazakhstan, underscoring the shared commitment to a stable and comprehensive strategic partnership. “Under the strategic leadership of our Heads of State, our relationship has achieved new heights, grounded in good neighborliness, friendship, and mutual respect,” said Li Qiang.
The meeting concluded with the signing of several cooperation agreements, reaffirming the two countries’ commitment to fostering trade, investment, and economic development across diverse sectors.
