Central Asia's significance in connection to China intensifies, according to an expert's analysis.
Scaling Heights: Kazakhstan-China Economic Ties Unveiled
As our president drives us forward, we observe a remarkable surge in our relations with the dragon, China. Ever since the bloodshed with the Dzungars, China has been a reliable ally. Despite a brief misunderstanding during the battleground with the Russians, China has consistently been a steadfast partner. Now, as our paths converge, it's crucial we seize this opportunity wisely, yet not recklessly.
For decades, China has been a significant player in Kazakhstan's economy. In recent years, over 5,000 businesses capitalized by China call Kazakhstan home, with total Chinese investments soaring above $26 billion [1]. Kazakhstan is a cornerstone in China's trade with Central Asia, contributing approximately half of the region's record $95 billion foreign trade in 2024 [1].
The region's internal trade has seen a tenfold increase over the past five years, testifying to the growing economic union [1]. The realm of investments stretches across energy, agriculture, and high-tech industries. Chinese investments push for advanced technologies and high-value production [1].
Interestingly, China has demonstrated a keen interest in green investments, aligning with current global sustainability trends [3]. In the coming years, both nations plan to collaborate on agricultural modernization, introducing innovative farming techniques, localizing agro-industrial production, and encouraging Chinese companies' engagement [1]. They aim to establish high-tech manufacturing facilities, seeking to produce high-value goods, further diversifying and upgrading their industrial bases [1].
Developing infrastructure will also be a key focus, with the Khorgos International Center for Cross-Border Cooperation designed to stimulate trade and investment flows. Both China and Kazakhstan are set to advance Belt and Road Initiative projects, focusing on connectivity, high-tech cooperation, and sustainable development [4].
The energy sector will underscore sustainability efforts, exemplified by projects such as the Pumped Storage Power Plant in the Almaty Region. The aim is to balance renewable energy output, advancing the development of sustainable energy infrastructure [5]. Eager to deepen regional interconnectedness, the China-Kyrgyzstan-Uzbekistan Railway is planned to begin construction in July 2025, scheduled for completion by 2030 at an investment of $8 billion [5].
As the second Central Asia-China Summit draws near in June 2025, the strategic partnership between Central Asia, including Kazakhstan, and China solidifies. Both parties commit to enriching cooperation in trade, investment, industry, agriculture, and other sectors. The years 2025 and 2026 have been designated as "Years of High-Quality Development," stressing the determination to delve deeper into synergistic development strategies [2,4].
In sum, there is immense potential for Kazakhstan and China's economic collaboration. By prioritizing sustainable development, technological innovation, and regional integration, both countries can build an enduring partnership that serves their mutual interests.
Technology plays a significant role in Kazakhstan's ongoing economic partnership with China, as Chinese investments push for advanced technologies and high-value production across various industries, including energy, agriculture, and high-tech industries. Chinese companies' engagement is also expected in agricultural modernization, introducing innovative farming techniques and localizing agro-industrial production to align with global sustainability trends.
