ASTANA — Kazakhstan signed export contracts worth approximately $125 million with Chinese partners on the opening day of the “Export to China – Shangai Cooperation Organization Selection” forum, as part of an official visit to China by Trade and Integration Minister Arman Shakkaliyev on April 1, according to the ministry’s press service.
Photo credit: gov.kz
Opening the event, Shakkaliyev described China as a strategic partner and emphasized Kazakhstan’s commitment to strengthening cooperation in trade, investment and industrial development. On the first day alone, Kazakh companies reached agreements to supply goods including feed flour, oilseeds and other agricultural products.
“Under the leadership of our heads of state, Kazakhstan-China relations have reached the level of an eternal comprehensive strategic partnership,” Shakkaliyev said, noting steady growth in trade turnover, investment ties and industrial collaboration.
China remains Kazakhstan’s largest trading partner, while Kazakhstan continues to serve as a key supplier of energy resources, agricultural products and raw materials to the Chinese economy.
Bilateral trade has shown consistent growth in recent years, rising from $41 billion in 2023 to $48.7 billion in 2025, according to the minister. The minister attributed the increase to the complementary nature of the two economies, active business engagement and strong support from Chinese regions such as Shandong.
Shandong Province, one of China’s leading industrial and trade hubs, has become an important regional partner for Kazakhstan. Trade turnover between Kazakhstan and Shandong reached $2.2 billion in 2025, reflecting significant growth.
Discussions also focused on joint investment projects, with Kazakhstan reaffirming its readiness to establish new production facilities using advanced and environmentally friendly technologies.
“It is essential for us that new industries meet high international environmental standards and contribute to sustainable development,” Shakkaliyev said.
Both sides highlighted the growing importance of interregional cooperation, with officials expressing confidence that deeper regional ties will further accelerate the overall development of Kazakhstan-China relations.
