Deputy Prime Minister – Minister of National Economy of the Republic of Kazakhstan Serik Zhumangarin held talks with John Lee, Chief Executive of Hong Kong, who arrived in Astana leading a large delegation. The parties discussed prospects for expanding trade, economic, and investment cooperation, the development of financial partnership, as well as strengthening transport connectivity between Kazakhstan and Hong Kong.

The Hong Kong delegation included more than 70 representatives from business and government structures. Among them were heads of leading companies in green energy, financial technologies, artificial intelligence, robotics, urban studies, mining, and innovative development.

Opening the meeting, Serik Zhumangarin noted the steady growth of Kazakhstan’s economy, confirmed by the improvement of the country’s sovereign credit ratings, and emphasized interest in attracting investment into high value-added projects.

Particular attention was paid to cooperation in the real sector of the economy. Kazakhstan proposed considering opportunities for joint implementation of projects in the agro-industrial complex, deep processing of agricultural raw materials and natural resources, petrochemicals, coal chemistry, production of mineral fertilizers and pesticides, as well as the production of finished products from non-ferrous metals. The total potential of the projects under consideration is estimated at more than $100 billion.

Another key area of the negotiations was financial cooperation. Kazakhstan expressed readiness to attract Hong Kong capital through the issuance of debt instruments in Chinese and Hong Kong markets, as well as through the creation of joint investment funds. The national investment holding “Baiterek” is ready to act as a financial partner and co-investor in promising projects, providing long-term support for investment initiatives.

“It is a great honor for us to discuss prospects for expanding cooperation with Hong Kong. Kazakhstan is ready to offer investors not only attractive projects, but also access to the Central Asian market, including opportunities for cross-border industrial cooperation with neighboring states,” Serik Zhumangarin noted.

During the meeting, the Kazakh Deputy Prime Minister also proposed developing a joint roadmap for the development of trade and economic cooperation, considering the possibility of creating a bilateral investment fund “Kazakhstan – Hong Kong” and interaction in the Kazakhstan – Hong Kong – Xinjiang format.

Serik Zhumangarin also emphasized Kazakhstan’s interest in creating joint ventures with leading international companies, including those from Hong Kong. Investors are provided with state support and co-financing mechanisms aimed at reducing barriers to the implementation of new projects. Kazakhstan is ready to offer favorable business conditions, necessary infrastructure, and support for promising initiatives. At the same time, the key factors remain the economic efficiency of projects and the willingness of the parties to combine investment opportunities, technologies, and expertise.

The parties noted significant potential for increasing mutual trade. Kazakhstan is interested in expanding supplies to the Hong Kong market of metallurgical, petrochemical, and food industry products, as well as grain and flour. Kazakhstan is the largest exporter of grain, oilseeds, and livestock products in the region. Last year, grain exports exceeded 15 million tons, which was the best result in the last 20 years. Special attention was paid to the prospects of creating joint ventures and implementing projects for deep processing of agricultural products.

In turn, John Lee highly appreciated the pace of economic development of Kazakhstan and its role as a key transit hub between Asia and Europe. According to him, about 85% of overland cargo transportation between the two regions passes through the country’s territory.

The Chief Executive of Hong Kong spoke about the ongoing transformation of the SAR’s economy, aimed at developing innovation and technology while strengthening its status as one of the world’s leading financial centers. In the coming years, Hong Kong plans to significantly expand its innovation infrastructure, increase the number of science and technology parks, and continue attracting international specialists to high-tech industries.

“We see significant potential for expanding cooperation between Hong Kong and Kazakhstan. Our economies can effectively complement each other in the fields of finance, innovation, technology, logistics, and investment. An important step to further strengthen ties could be the restoration of direct air service between Hong Kong and Kazakhstan,” John Lee emphasized.

Following the meeting, the parties confirmed their interest in further developing interaction between government bodies and business circles and agreed to intensify work on promising areas of cooperation.

For reference: In 2025, trade turnover between Kazakhstan and Hong Kong amounted to $180 million, an increase of almost 40% compared to 2024, when mutual trade reached $130 million.

#Infrastructural development #International Cooperation #Investments #Serik Zhumangarin #Trade and economic cooperation

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