Central Asia, China to Sign $17 Billion in Agreements at Astana Business Council
Central Asian countries and China are expected to conclude over 35 agreements totaling more than $17 billion during the second meeting of the China-Central Asia Business Council, which will take place on June 17 in Astana. The deals will span strategic sectors such as green energy, infrastructure, logistics, trade, and the development of new regional hubs.
Murat Karimsakov, Deputy Chairman of the Atameken National Chamber of Entrepreneurs and Chairman of Kazakhstan’s Foreign Trade Chamber, stated that these agreements reflect deepening regional economic integration with China.
Kazakh Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of National Economy Serik Zhumangarin emphasized the growing importance of cooperation in agriculture and logistics, noting that over 80% of China–Europe land transit currently passes through Kazakhstan. He stressed the need for continued investment in transport infrastructure to support this role.
In 2024, trade between China and Central Asia reached \$95 billion, with Kazakhstan accounting for nearly half of this volume. Bilateral trade between Kazakhstan and China hit a record \$44 billion, with plans to double it in the coming years.
Zhumangarin also identified e-commerce as a key growth area and confirmed Kazakhstan's readiness to pilot a Silk Road E-Commerce zone. This follows successful collaborations on national pavilions on platforms such as Alibaba.
“We are interested in further deepening cooperation within China’s Belt and Road Initiative. This mega-project, along with the Middle Corridor, opens up additional opportunities for unlocking the potential of the North-South and East-West corridors,” he added.
Chinese investments continue to flow into major regional projects across energy, industry, renewable energy, and agriculture. More than 300 representatives from leading Chinese companies are participating in the Business Council meeting, signaling strong interest in expanding economic ties with Central Asian countries.
Photo credit: Global Times.
