Photo from the press service of the President of Kazakhstan
During a working visit to Shanghai, Kazakh President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev oversaw the signing of more than 70 commercial agreements between Kazakh and Chinese companies worth over $15 billion, the Akorda press service reported.
The deals span a wide range of sectors, including artificial intelligence, digitalization, transport infrastructure, mechanical engineering, finance, the agro-industrial complex, and logistics.
Speaking at a meeting with executives of leading Chinese high-tech firms, Tokayev invited businesses to take part in large-scale projects driving Kazakhstan’s digital transformation. Among the key initiatives, he highlighted the creation of the Data Center Valley innovation cluster in Ekibastuz, envisioned as a regional hub for data processing, cloud services, and AI infrastructure.
The president also called on Chinese investors to participate in developing the new city of Alatau as a “smart city,” introducing digital technologies in agriculture, and advancing projects for the extraction and deep processing of critical minerals.
“Our goal is not simply to attract capital. We aim for joint technological development, the creation of research centers, new production chains, and the advancement of human capital to drive the knowledge economy,” Tokayev stated.
Among the most significant agreements are a strategic partnership between Kazakhstan’s Ministry of Artificial Intelligence and Digital Development and Huawei Technologies; a deal involving Samruk-Kazyna, Freedom Holding Corp., the Astana Akimat, and Geely Auto Group to develop electric vehicle infrastructure and integrate AI into the automotive sector; and an agreement between Allur Group and Li Auto to launch production of Chinese-brand vehicles in Kazakhstan.
Additional agreements cover the construction of the first phase of a multifunctional terminal at the port of Kuryk, the development of the Data Center Valley project, localization of inspection equipment manufacturing, production of OMODA and JAECOO vehicles, and joint initiatives in robotics, AI, telecommunications, logistics, and higher education.
According to Akorda, more than 8,500 enterprises with Chinese capital operate in Kazakhstan. Total Chinese investment in the country has exceeded $30 billion, while bilateral trade reached $49 billion by the end of 2025. Tokayev assured investors that Kazakhstan is ready to offer favorable business conditions, including investment protection and special tax regimes.
