Kazakhstan-China trade turnover rises since start of 2023

Kazakhstan-China trade turnover rises since start of 2023

Last year, trade between Kazakhstan and China surged by over a third, reaching a record volume of more than $24 billion. This year, the figure continued to grow, increasing by 21 percent. This positive trend will soon allow achieving the task of bringing mutual trade turnover to $40 billion set by the leaders of the two countries. This was announced by Kazakh Prime Minister Alikhan Smailov during a meeting with the Premier of the State Council of the People's Republic of China Li Qiang in Shanghai.

“We place great significance on strengthening the bonds of friendship, good neighborly relations, and strategic partnership with China. Personal friendly contacts between the top leadership of our two countries have a positive impact on all aspects of our cooperation. Recent talks between Kazakh President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev, Chinese President Xi Jinping, and you, Mr. Premier, have given fresh impetus to Kazakhstan-China cooperation within the new era of the ‘golden 30th anniversary’,” Smailov said.

China has invested at least $24 billion in Kazakhstan's economy over the past 18 years. There are around 4,700 joint ventures operating in Kazakhstan. According to Smailov, the newly introduced visa-free regime between the two countries, effective from November 10, is expected to bolster business relations, facilitate trade, and promote tourism. For his part, Li Qiang emphasized that Kazakhstan and China have established productive multifaceted cooperation.

“The leaders of Kazakhstan and China have identified priority tasks and areas for further developing our relations. We are ready to make joint efforts with our Kazakh counterparts to implement these agreements into practical measures, with the aim of positively impacting the well-being of our people,” Qiang said.