During his working visit to China on June 23, Prime Minister of Kazakhstan Olzhas Bektenov held a meeting with Premier of the State Council of China Li Qiang.
The parties discussed the implementation of agreements reached at the highest level, as well as prospects for further strengthening Kazakh-Chinese cooperation, including trade development, expansion of investment interaction, cooperation in the agro-industrial sector, transport and logistics, according to the press service of the Kazakh government.
China is one of Kazakhstan’s key trade and investment partners. In 2025, the volume of mutual trade exceeded $48 billion, and direct investments from China reached $2.8 billion.
Bilateral trade in the agro-industrial sector show steady growth. In 2025, trade turnover increased by 36% and exceeded $1.9 billion. In the transport and logistics sphere, Kazakhstan maintains a key role in overland transportation between China and Europe: more than 85% of cargo flows pass through Kazakhstan. In 2025, railway transportation between Kazakhstan and China reached 35.6 million tons, with an increase of 11%.
In the city of Dalian, the Prime Minister took part in a session dedicated to the Belt and Road initiative. Speaking at the meeting, Bektenov noted that Kazakhstan, located in the heart of Eurasia, provides access to a market of about 1.7 billion consumers. Over the past years, more than $35 billion has been allocated for the development of transport and transit infrastructure. A number of major projects have been implemented, including the container hub in Aktau, the dry port in Xi’an, and the second tracks of the Dostyk–Moyynty railway.
Attention was paid to five priority areas for the further development of the Belt and Road initiative: strengthening infrastructure connectivity, forming a digital Middle Corridor, promoting the “green” agenda, as well as expanding trade, investment, and financial mechanisms.
“The implementation of the ‘One Belt, One Road’ initiative has clearly demonstrated one thing: when connectivity expands, opportunities multiply. Kazakhstan and China are a vivid example of this. The Silk Road has always flourished thanks to openness, trust, and the willingness to combine efforts. Kazakhstan remains committed to this spirit,” Bektenov emphasized.
Photo: primeminister.kz
