During his working visit to the People’s Republic of China, Prime Minister of the Republic of Kazakhstan Olzhas Bektenov held a meeting with Premier of the State Council of the PRC 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 complex, transport and logistics, and other areas.

The Prime Minister of Kazakhstan noted that Kazakhstan is entering a new stage of development. The Constitution, adopted following a nationwide referendum, enshrines the initiatives of President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev aimed at building a Just and Progressive Kazakhstan. In particular, in accordance with the principle of “Law and Order,” measures to protect the rights and legitimate interests of foreign investors, ensure the stability of the investment environment, and enhance the rule of law have been strengthened.

“Kazakhstan and China have a long history of friendship and cooperation based on mutual respect and support. Currently, bilateral relations are developing in the spirit of eternal and comprehensive strategic partnership and are entering a new period of the ‘Golden Thirty Years.’ The intensive and trusting dialogue between the leaders of our countries, respected Kassym-Jomart Tokayev and Xi Jinping, is the driving force for the sustainable development of interstate relations as an exemplary model of partnership,” Prime Minister of Kazakhstan Olzhas Bektenov noted.

Premier of the State Council of the PRC Li Qiang emphasized the high level of strategic interaction and expressed readiness to further strengthen bilateral relations.

“In recent years, our countries have maintained close high-level contacts: President Xi Jinping and President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev meet annually. Today, the comprehensive strategic partnership between Kazakhstan and China is constantly deepening and enriching, becoming a model of mutual support and good-neighborliness. In the current international situation, our countries, as reliable partners, should strengthen coordination to work together for the benefit of joint development. The Chinese side is ready to continue joint efforts, strengthen political trust, coordinate development strategies, and expand multi-vector cooperation for the prosperity of our peoples,” Li Qiang noted.

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 the PRC reached $2.8 billion.

Indicators of bilateral trade in the agro-industrial complex 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 the republic’s territory. In 2025, railway transportation between Kazakhstan and the PRC 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 “One Belt, One Road” initiative. Speaking at the meeting, Olzhas Bektenov noted that Kazakhstan, located in the heart of Eurasia, provides access to a market of about 1.7 billion consumers. Over the past 7 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, the second tracks of the Dostyk–Moyynty railway, and others.

Attention was paid to five priority areas for the further development of the “One Belt, One 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. We consider ourselves a reliable partner of China and a key bridge between regions. At the same time, we are equally open to ambitious, mutually beneficial projects with all partners who share this vision. Ultimately, connectivity is not only infrastructure. It is people, well-being, and joint progress,” Prime Minister of the Republic of Kazakhstan Olzhas Bektenov emphasized.

The session was also attended by heads of government of a number of countries, representatives of expert and scientific communities. Prospects for further promotion of the “One Belt, One Road” initiative, its impact on the economic development of participating countries, the restructuring of trade flows and supply chains, issues of digital infrastructure, and prospects for the initiative until 2040 were discussed.

#Olzhas Bektenov #The Prime Minister of the Republic of Kazakhstan #International Cooperation #Investments #Logistics #Trade #Transport

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