Astana (TDI): Kazakhstan is witnessing a surge in investment from Chinese companies, with numerous projects set to boost key sectors across the country.
Yerzhan Yelekeyev, Chairman of Kazakh Invest National Company, held talks with representatives of leading Chinese firms during his visit to China on Tuesday to enhance bilateral investment cooperation.
Among the key discussions, Yelekeyev met with Fufeng Group Chairman Li Xuechun to review a major project to build a vertically integrated industrial park for deep corn processing in Kazakhstan.
With a production capacity of 500,000 tons annually and 1,000 job opportunities, the facility will include a starch production plant, an amino acid fermentation plant, a coal-fired thermal power station, and a wastewater treatment facility.
Fufeng Group is currently scouting for a suitable location for the project.
Dr. Liu Guoyue, Chairman of CHN Energy, also engaged in discussions with Yelekeyev, focusing on a coal chemistry project in Kazakhstan that would require a minimum investment of $4 billion.
CHN Energy’s technical team recently visited coal deposits in Kazakhstan to gather material for analysis.
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In the energy sector, Jiang Yi, Chairman of China Huadian Corporation, provided updates on the construction of a $190 million, 160-megawatt combined-cycle gas plant in the Mangystau Region.
Construction is slated to begin later this year, with completion expected by 2027.
The company is also exploring renewable energy projects and opportunities to modernize existing power plants in Kazakhstan.
Li Yantao, Founder of Wanlin Group, revealed plans to build a dehydrated onion factory, following successful test crops in Kazakhstan’s southern regions.
The initial investment is estimated at $30 million.
Wheat Processing Projects
Additionally, Chinese firms such as Sichuan Lomon Corporation and Dalian Hesheng Holdings are considering wheat processing projects in the Almaty and Akmola Regions, with potential investments exceeding $2 billion.
Xiong Xiong, Chairman of Shanghai Shanyuhai Investment Group, discussed progress on a $200 million mining and processing plant in the Almaty Region.
The plant, expected to create 500 jobs, is set for completion by 2025.
Talks with Beijing Jianlong Heavy Industry Group centered around developing a steel production cluster, while Beiqi Foton Motor expressed interest in establishing a commercial vehicle assembly plant, leveraging its existing experience in Kazakhstan.
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In the solar energy sector, Jiangsu Seraphim Power Development explored possibilities for solar panel production, while Yelekeyev discussed the potential for a vertically integrated titanium production plant with Longbai Group.
These investments reflect the deepening economic ties between Kazakhstan and China, with substantial opportunities for growth across multiple industries.
