Tokayev sets a new goal for trade between Kazakhstan and China

Kazakhstan expects to increase mutual trade with China to $100 bln and expand cooperation in industry, logistics, and AI. El.kz reports. 

In an interview to Xinhua news agency, the Head of State noted that relations between Kazakhstan and China have reached an unprecedentedly high level.

By the end of 2025, the volume of bilateral trade approached $50 bln, and China took first place among Kazakhstan's foreign trade partners.

At the same time, Astana plans to change the structure of economic cooperation. According to Tokayev, the focus will shift towards industrial and technological cooperation, deep processing, joint production, and the release of high value-added products.

Currently, around 85% of all land transit shipments from China to Europe pass through Kazakhstan. The President also emphasised the developing of the Middle Corridor, new railway lines, and digitalizing customs procedures.

Tokayev also spoke about plans in the field of artificial intelligence. Astana plans to create specialised Kazakh-Chinese AI school for gifted children and expand cooperation between the two countries to the digital economy, robotics, smart manufacturing, and workforce development.

According to the President, over 9,000 companies with Chinese capital operate in Kazakhstan. Industrial cooperation between the two countries includes 260 projects with an investment volume of over 62 bln dollars.

Another major area will be digitalization. Kazakhstan is relying on the participation of Chinese companies in the development of the “Data Center Valley” project in Ekibastuz and Alatau City, where digital solutions and AI are planned to be integrated into city management, transportation, energy, education, and public services.

The President is expected to attend an investment forum “Kazakhstan – China” which will be held in Almaty on September 25.

In an interview, the Head of State also touched on humanitarian ties.

According to him, after the introduction of a visa-free regime, the flow of Chinese tourists to Kazakhstan has increased, and the number of guests from China reached 962 thousand last year.