Kazakhstan, China enhance cooperation

In the coming year, Kazakhstan plans to present a comprehensive range of domestic goods at the China International Import Expo in Shanghai, as announced by the country’s Minister of Trade and Integration Arman Shakkaliyev. To this end, the domestic exposition will see a fivefold increase in 2024. It bears noting that over 200 food producers represented Kazakhstan at this year’s Expo. Domestic dairy products and confectionery were well-received by Chinese consumers. According to experts, this large-scale event, referred to as a window to China, will contribute to the growth of mutual trade turnover, which amounted to $21 billion in the first nine months of this year. The figure is expected to rise further.

“All indications point to a new record in our bilateral relations by year-end. The country welcomes the expansion of this partnership. All this suggests that we are on track to reach the trade turnover goal of $40 billion, set by the heads of state, in the near future. This event is important for us, providing an opportunity to showcase and acquaint our Chinese friends with the environmentally friendly products made in Kazakhstan. Traditionally, we say that food products from Kazakhstan are organically produced,” Shakkaliyev said.

Visa-free regime with China opens new opportunities for Kazakhstan

The visa-free regime, effective since November 10th, will also have a positive impact on the intensification of trade relations between Kazakhstan and China. It is worth reminding that the leaders of the two countries signed the agreement on mutual visa exemption at the Summit in Xi'an. According to experts, this will give a boost to the increase in the influx of tourists from China. Overall, according to the eQonaq system, around 85,000 Chinese citizens have visited Kazakhstan since the beginning of the year. In 2024, the number of travelers can significantly rise, as China will host the Year of Kazakhstan’s Tourism. This will certainly bring bilateral cooperation to a new level.

“By the end of the year, we will compile a list of different events for next year, as next year is announced as the year of Kazakh tourism in China. So, there will be different celebrations and festivities on both sides, and they will also be attended hopefully by Presidents of China and Kazakhstan, and hopefully these events on this high level will attract more attention from potential travelers from China,” said Kairat Sadvakassov, Acting Chairman of the Kazakh Tourism national company.