Approximately 85% of land cargo traveling from China to Europe passes through Kazakhstan. This statistic underscores the motivation behind the recent meeting in Urumqi, where officials from both countries gathered to enhance their already record-breaking trade relations.
During the 9th China-Eurasia Expo, Kazakhstan's Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of National Economy Serik Jumangarin held a bilateral meeting with China's State Councilor Ding Xuexiang. According to a report by Kazinform, citing the Kazakhstan government, the two sides discussed expanding trade, joint investments, and building transportation infrastructure for the China-Europe logistics corridor.
Trade between the two countries reached a record high of $48.7 billion in 2025. From January to May 2026, trade totaled $22 billion, marking a 27% increase compared to the same period last year. Authorities expect annual trade to exceed $50 billion this year.
Jumangarin proposed a more ambitious target, stating, "Our core goal is to raise bilateral trade to $100 billion in the near future," and urged for the swift approval of a Kazakhstan-China trade and economic cooperation program and roadmap for 2027-2030.
According to a Kazakhstan government report, more than half of the total trade between the two countries transits through the Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, making it a critical trade gateway.
Kazakhstan is also accelerating efforts to enhance border crossing capabilities. Once the new Bakhti-Ayagoz border checkpoint is completed, the combined annual processing capacity of the three border checkpoints along the Kazakhstan-China border will reach 100 million tons. Chinese officials confirmed readiness to jointly construct a third railway border checkpoint, which both sides expect will improve the reliability and safety of international transport routes.
Since Kazakhstan's independence, China has invested approximately $30 billion in the Kazakh economy, making it one of the largest foreign investors. Jumangarin encouraged Chinese companies to participate in high-value production projects, highlighting key cooperation areas such as deep processing of agricultural products like wheat and corn, integrated steel production, agrochemicals, and drone manufacturing.
He noted, "This expo showcased advanced achievements in agrochemicals and drone manufacturing," adding, "We want to invite relevant manufacturers and investors to Kazakhstan. We are ready to provide all necessary conditions for localizing production."
Ding reaffirmed China's commitment to expanding cooperation with Kazakhstan in the fields of digital economy, artificial intelligence, energy, and navigation technology.
Bilateral agricultural trade amounts to $2 billion. China has approved the import of 34 agricultural products from Kazakhstan, with nine additional items, including chilled meat, currently under further review.
* This article has been translated by AI.
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