China and Central Asian Countries to Seal $17 Billion in Agreements During Astana Business Council Meeting
Bustling Business in Central Asia:
Fueled by a whopping $17 billion worth of agreements, Central Asian nations are all set to ink more than 35 deals during the China-Central Asia Business Council meeting in Astana on June 17. According to Kazinform, these deals cover a wide range of sectors including green energy, infrastructure, logistics, trade, and the establishment of new hubs.
The dynamic duo of Murat Karimsakov, the deputy chairman of the Atameken National Chamber of Entrepreneurs and chairman of Kazakhstan's Foreign Trade Chamber, and Kazakh Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of National Economy Serik Zhumangarin, are leading the charge. Zhumangarin emphasizes the importance of agricultural and logistics cooperation in the region, while Karimsakov sheds light on the key areas the agreements will cover.
Center stage in these agreements is Central Asia's agricultural produce, particularly camel milk from Kazakhstan, cherries from Uzbekistan, dried fruits from Tajikistan, honey from Kyrgyzstan, and cotton from Turkmenistan. Consumers in China appreciate these imports, marking an increase in their market presence.
With over 80% of land transportation from China to Europe passing through Kazakhstan, the strategic importance of transport infrastructure is evident. Zhumangarin sees great potential in further deepening cooperation within China's Belt and Road Initiative, which, along with the Middle Corridor, offers additional opportunities for the North-South and East-West corridors.
Trade between China and Central Asia surged to an impressive $95 billion in 2024, with Kazakhstan accounting for nearly half. The bilateral trade turnover reached a historic high of $44 billion, and the goal is to double this volume in the coming years.
Digital trade is also on the rise, with e-commerce emerging as an exciting growth area. Zhumangarin expresses readiness to support the creation of a Silk Road E-Commerce pilot zone, building on positive experiences in creating national pavilions on Alibaba and JD.com.
Chinese investments in the region continue to increase, driving major projects in energy, industry, renewable energy, and agriculture. The Business Council meeting, with over 300 representatives of leading Chinese companies in attendance, underscores the strong interest in expanding relations with partners from Kazakhstan and other countries in the region.
A deeper dive into the data reveals significant growth in the trade between China and the Central Asian countries, with the trade volume expanding from $43.48 billion in 2013 to $674 billion in 2024. Regular freight train services have also increased by 21%, making land transport the dominant mode, accounting for 51.8% of trade in 2024. Agricultural cooperation is thriving, with imports of agricultural goods from Central Asia to China rising by 26.9% in the first five months of 2025.
In summary, trade between China and Central Asia is booming, with growth in key sectors such as agriculture and e-commerce. The strategic transport corridors, logistics improvements, and digital trade are facilitating deeper cultural and economic exchanges, contributing to regional economic integration and stability.
In the scope of booming business ties, Central Asian nations are set to collaborate on deals involving the finance, transportation, and industry sectors during the China-Central Asia Business Council meeting. Chinese investments in sectors such as agriculture (citing the exports of camel milk from Kazakhstan, cherries from Uzbekistan, dried fruits from Tajikistan, honey from Kyrgyzstan, and cotton from Turkmenistan) are expected to increase significantly, driving major projects in these industries. Additionally, the establishment of a Silk Road E-Commerce pilot zone is seen as an exciting growth area in the digital trade between China and Central Asia.
