Following the China-Kazakhstan Cooperation Meeting held on December 5, Kazakhstan’s Deputy Minister of Trade and Integration, Kairat Torebayev, spoke with reporters about the extensive cooperation between Kazakhstan and China in agriculture, energy, fintech, and transportation, as well as prospects for future collaboration under the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI).
Torebayev noted that the cooperation between Kazakhstan and China spans a wide range of sectors. In agriculture, Kazakhstan’s exports to China have shown strong growth momentum, with a 60% increase last year and a further 22% rise this year. High-quality organic agricultural products from Kazakhstan—such as vegetable oils, meat, wheat, and eggs—are particularly well-received in the Chinese market.
The collaboration between Kazakhstan and China continues to yield significant results. As of November 1, 2024, over 6 million people have passed through the China-Kazakhstan Khorgos International Border Cooperation Center, reflecting a 75% year-on-year increase. This figure highlights the close cooperation in border trade and human mobility while underscoring Khorgos’s critical role in fostering collaboration between China, Kazakhstan, and the Central Asia region. Torebayev stated that further investments will be made to enhance the infrastructure of the border cooperation center and improve customs clearance efficiency.
In the financial sector, the integration of Kazakhstan’s Kaspi e-wallet payment system with China’s Alipay platform has strengthened economic ties between the two countries. This innovative financial measure has made it easier for Kazakh citizens to use the Kaspi payment system in China and for Alipay users to make payments conveniently in Kazakhstan. Torebayev emphasized that this partnership not only fosters mutual understanding and communication between citizens of the two nations but also supports businesses in accessing each other’s markets. He added that efforts will continue to promote financial innovation and increase the use of local currencies in mutual transactions.
Torebayev highlighted that the Belt and Road Initiative brings development and prosperity not only to Kazakhstan but also to the entirety of Central Asia and Europe. Through this initiative, Kazakhstan has been able to establish closer cooperative relationships with China and other countries, contributing to the development of the regional economy.
Within the framework of the BRI, Torebayev affirmed Kazakhstan’s commitment to deepening comprehensive cooperation with China, achieving mutual benefit and common development. He emphasized Kazakhstan’s unique advantages, such as abundant natural resources and a strategic geographic location, which provide strong support and assurance for the bilateral partnership. As collaboration between the two sides continues to expand, Torebayev expressed optimism about achieving mutual benefit and shared development across more areas in the future.
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