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.
