In 2024, China invested over $40 billion in the economy of Central Asian countries. This was announced by First Deputy Prime Minister of the Republic of Kazakhstan Roman Sklyar, speaking at the forum of industrial and investment cooperation "China - Central Asia", BAQ.KZ reports.

The event, which took place today, June 16, in Astana, was attended by representatives of government agencies and leading business circles from Central Asian countries and China, including heads of industry departments, as well as large entrepreneurs and investors interested in expanding interregional cooperation.

"China is one of the key trade and investment partners of Kazakhstan and the Central Asian countries. In 2024, the volume of trade between the Central Asian region and China reached $95 billion, with almost half of this amount coming from Kazakhstan. Bilateral trade reached a historical maximum in 2024 — $44 billion. The volume of Chinese investment in the economies of the region's countries exceeded $40 billion," Sklyar noted.

He noted that trusting relations have been established between the countries and a high level of interaction has been achieved.

"Of course, this is primarily due to the sincerely friendly and trusting relations between the leaders of our states. The diplomacy of the heads of state has become the driving force behind strengthening the partnership between the countries of Central Asia and China. We have enormous opportunities for further expansion of cooperation in all areas," Sklyar noted.

According to him, about 10 thousand companies with Chinese capital are represented on the market of Central Asian countries. In Kazakhstan alone, 224 projects worth more than 66 billion dollars are being implemented with the participation of Chinese investors, creating almost 50 thousand jobs, Sklyar concluded.

As part of the panel sessions of the forum, the participants discussed cooperation in the field of digital and information technologies, the development of the transport and logistics potential of the countries of Central Asia and China, innovative approaches in the agro-industrial complex, as well as prospects for cooperation in the mining and metallurgical industry. The participants confirmed their readiness to exchange experiences, implement advanced technologies and expand intercountry investment partnerships.

The Central Asia – China summit will be held in Astana on June 16-17 with the participation of Chinese President Xi Jinping.

ORIENT