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.
