Kazakhstan is set to leverage economic
cooperation as a solution to global instability. At an official opening
ceremony of the sixth China International Import Expo in Shanghai, Kazakh Prime
Minister Alikhan Smailov invited Chinese companies to participate in the
development of business cooperation between Kazakhstan and China. The global
business platform annually attracts representatives from over 130 countries.
China is already actively expanding business ties with the Central Asian
region. Last year, trade volumes totaled $70 billion, with Kazakhstan
accounting for slightly less than half. Given the dynamics, the parties are
confident that the trade turnover will reach $100 billion by 2030.
“It is important to develop
transport and logistics cooperation. Kazakhstan, which has become a key link
connecting the Eurasian continent with the Asia-Pacific region, plays a
strategic role as a regional transport and logistics hub. We propose to use the
Trans-Caspian International Transport Route more actively to expand container
traffic along the China-Europe route. This will reduce the time of transporting
goods almost twice. There are also plans to build the third railway checkpoint
on the Kazakhstan-China border, dry ports at the Bakhty and Kalzhat crossings, and
a container hub in Aktau, as well as to expand port facilities on the Black Sea
along the Middle Corridor. We invite Chinese transport companies to participate
in the projects,” Smailov said.
Additionally, Kazakhstan is
interested in expanding partnership with China in the agricultural sector, as
this will improve regional food security. Another promising area for
cooperation is the use of mutual electronic platforms. Among the successful
examples are the National Pavilion of Kazakhstan launched on the JD.com electronic
platform this May and enhanced interaction with Alibaba Group. According to
Smailov, Kazakhstan is ready to build bonded warehouses to streamline logistics
operations for the mutual benefit of both parties.
