Astana (TDI): Kazakhstan and China are moving ahead with more than 220 joint industrial projects, collectively worth around $66.4 billion, aimed at deepening economic ties and boosting regional development.
The plans were reviewed during a high-level meeting chaired by Prime Minister Olzhas Bektenov in Astana.
These projects, currently being developed across various sectors, are expected to generate an estimated 50,000 jobs.
Officials say the cooperation is part of a wider effort to translate diplomatic ties into long-term economic benefits.
China remains one of Kazakhstan’s top investment partners, having invested approximately $26.4 billion in the country between 2005 and 2024.
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The momentum behind these investments has picked up following Chinese President Xi Jinping’s recent visit to Kazakhstan.
According to PM Bektenov, the visit by President Xi provided a strong boost to bilateral cooperation, especially in the wake of the Central Asia–China Industrial and Innovation Forum held in Astana. During the forum, businesses from both sides signed 58 agreements totaling $24 billion.
The Prime Minister also referred to President Tokayev’s directive to attract at least $150 billion in foreign investment by 2029.
He said China’s economic role in that vision is crucial, given its standing as a global powerhouse and a trusted regional partner.
In Almaty, officials have inked seven separate deals worth more than $6 billion. These projects span a wide range, from renewable energy to agriculture and transport logistics.
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Meanwhile, Astana, along with the Turkistan and Kyzylorda regions, has also come forward with its own investment plans, focusing mainly on infrastructure upgrades and industrial development.
Prime Minister Bektenov emphasized the need to speed up collaboration in the Abai, East Kazakhstan, and West Kazakhstan regions, and directed local officials to actively follow through on signed commitments.
The ministries and regional administrations have been instructed to oversee the next steps, ensuring the smooth execution of projects and alignment with national development goals.
Farkhund Yousafzai is an Associate Editor at The Diplomatic Insight.
