BAKU, Azerbaijan, November 5. Kazakh companies
have signed agreements worth around $100 million on the first day
of the 9th China International Import Expo (CIIE) in Shanghai,
Kazakhstan's Ministry of Trade and Integration said.
Kazakhstan's Minister of Trade and Integration Arman Shakkaliyev
is participating in the exhibition. During his visit, he inspected
the Kazakh national pavilion, attended the Hongqiao International
Economic Forum and held a series of meetings focused on expanding
export opportunities for domestic producers, attracting investment
and developing trade and logistics cooperation with China.
The CIIE is one of the world's largest trade platforms, bringing
together thousands of companies from more than 160 countries and
regions every year. It provides foreign producers with
opportunities to enter the Chinese market, establish direct
business contacts and conclude export agreements.
Kazakhstan traditionally participates in the exhibition,
showcasing products made by domestic companies and the country's
export potential. This year, the national pavilion brought together
around 40 Kazakh producers.
The pavilion features a wide range of food products, including
vegetable oils and fats, flour and milling products, confectionery,
dairy products, beverages, and other goods made in Kazakhstan.
The agreements signed by Kazakh companies on the first day of
the exhibition are expected to support further exports to China and
reflect interest from Chinese businesses in Kazakh products.
Kazakhstan and China have also recorded growth in bilateral
trade. In 2025, trade turnover between the two countries reached
$48.7 billion, increasing by 11%. In the first nine months of 2026,
it amounted to $43.3 billion, up 21.9%.
Alongside promoting Kazakh products in the Chinese market,
expanding investment and transport and logistics cooperation was
another key focus of Shakkaliyev's visit.
In particular, Shakkaliyev held a meeting with the Chief
Executive of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region of China.
The sides discussed prospects for cooperation under the Hub-to-Hub
initiative, which envisages the development of interconnected trade
and logistics centers.
Particular attention was paid to leveraging Kazakhstan's transit
potential, expanding transport and logistics routes and creating
additional opportunities to promote goods in international
markets.
During meetings with representatives of Chinese businesses, the
sides also discussed potential joint projects, including the
localization of high-tech production in Kazakhstan, the development
of robotics, the construction of modern transport and logistics
complexes, warehouse infrastructure and distribution centers, as
well as investment in commercial real estate.
The discussions also covered infrastructure development aimed at
improving cargo flow efficiency, reducing logistics costs and
strengthening Kazakhstan's position as a trade and transport hub in
Eurasia.
During the meetings, Shakkaliyev emphasized Kazakhstan's
interest in attracting Chinese investment, introducing modern
technologies and establishing joint production facilities. Such
projects are expected to support industrial cooperation, expand
export potential and strengthen economic ties between the two
countries.
Kazakhstan's participation in the CIIE is aimed not only at
promoting domestic products but also at building long-term
partnerships with Chinese companies, developing joint investment
projects and expanding the presence of Kazakh businesses in
international markets.
The exhibition will run until November 10.
