China Expands Investment in Kazakhstan's Resource and Industrial Sectors
China has strengthened its presence in Kazakhstan, with nearly 5,000 Chinese-linked enterprises now registered in the country, according to Halyk Finance. These businesses are heavily concentrated in mining, energy, and manufacturing.
Chinese firms, including CNPC and Sinopec, play a critical role in Kazakhstan’s oil and gas sector, contributing 24% of total production. These companies focus on aging fields like Zhanazhol and Mangystau, employing advanced recovery techniques. Key players include MangystauMunaiGas, Buzachi Operating LTD, and Petro Kazakhstan, alongside investments in refining and logistics hubs such as the Lianyungang terminal.
Joint Projects
Since 2015, Kazakhstan and China have collaborated on a $21.1 billion joint projects program, spanning metallurgy, oil refining, chemicals, and agriculture. To date, 25 projects worth $7.4 billion are complete, nine are ongoing, and 18 are under review. Notable ventures include:
- $2.6 billion polypropylene production facility by Kazakhstan Petrochemical Industries and China National Chemical Engineering Co.
- $2.1 billion Shymkent Oil Refinery reconstruction.
Strategic Partnerships
Through partnerships like Baiterek National Management Holding and Chinese banks, China has become Kazakhstan's second-largest foreign investor, with $5.2 billion in active projects across 30 initiatives. While Russia leads with 32 projects worth $12.5 billion.
Photo credit: khorgos.kz.
