Kazakhstan and China are set to
increase the number of joint industrial and investment projects. Kazakh Prime
Minister Alikhan Smailov held a meeting with Vice Premier of the State Council
of China Ding Xuexiang. The parties discussed the issues of a mutually
beneficial full-fledged partnership. Smailov emphasized the importance of
signing a roadmap for implementing the program of trade and economic
cooperation until 2026, as well as updating the agreement on mutual
certification of import and export goods. This will bring the trade partnership
between Kazakhstan and China to a qualitatively new level. Mutual trade showcases
high indicators, with a 35 percent increase to an impressive volume of over $24
billion last year. The dynamic growth continues in 2023.
“Mutual trade between Kazakhstan
and China has grown by another 24 percent over the last ten months of this
year. I believe that at this rate, we will achieve the goal of increasing the
turnover to $40 billion soon, as set by the leaders of the two countries,” Smailov
shared.
Additionally, the parties
discussed partnership in the transit and transportation sector, which holds
particular significance. To date, around 85 percent of goods from China to
Europe are transported through Kazakhstan. The country is taking active
measures to increase infrastructure capacity and fully meet the growing demand.
The meeting also addressed cooperation in energy, agriculture, culture, and
tourism. Thus, a visa-free regime that came into force on November 10 will have
a significant impact on intensifying business contacts, simplifying trade, boosting
mutual investments, and promoting tourism, as noted by both parties.
