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China to Build Wheat Processing Plant in Kazakhstan’s Akmola Region

China’s Dalian Hesheng Holdings Group Co., Ltd. plans to establish a vertically integrated industrial park for the deep processing of wheat in Kazakhstan’s Akmola region. The project was discussed on December 18 during a meeting between Kazakhstan’s Prime Minister Olzhas Bektenov and a delegation from the Chinese company. Investments in the project will total $500-$800 million for the initial phase, with an additional $1 billion planned for the second and third phases. The plant will process 1 million tons of wheat annually during the first phase, with capacity increasing to 3 million tons per year in subsequent phases. The initiative is expected to create approximately 2,000 jobs. Construction is set to begin in the second quarter of 2025. The project will also include the construction of a coal-fired thermal power plant and a coal chemical complex capable of producing 150,000–400,000 tons of liquid ammonia annually. Prime Minister Olzhas Bektenov underscored the importance of enhancing wheat processing and expanding the production of high-value-added products. He directed government agencies to expedite the signing of an investment agreement with Dalian Hesheng Holdings. Kazakhstan has significant potential in deep grain processing, harvesting 16-17 million tons of grain annually. More than 260 different high-value-added products, such as bioethanol, gluten, and animal feed, can be derived from processed grain. The Times of Central Asia previously reported that Chinese company Myande Group signed a memorandum of cooperation in July for the construction of a wheat processing plant in Kostanay. That facility will produce amino acids, bioethanol, gluten, animal feed, and wheat bran, further bolstering Kazakhstan’s grain processing sector.

Investment Bilateral Relations China Tourism

Uzbekistan Welcomes 6.5 Million Tourists in 10 Months of 2024, With China Leading Growth Outside CIS

Uzbekistan’s tourism industry is thriving, with 6.5 million foreign visitors from January to October 2024, fueled by a 17.2% year-on-year increase, or 951,300 more visitors compared to the same period last year. Among these tourists, 57,700 were from China, marking a 63.1% rise and making China the leading source of visitors outside the Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS). China's interest in landlocked Uzbekistan comes as no surprise. Rich in natural resources and brimming with untapped potential, Uzbekistan stands as a promising opportunity for growth and prosperity when strategic investments are managed effectively. For instance, China continues to dominate Uzbekistan’s trade scene, accounting for 18.8% of the country's total foreign trade turnover as of October 2024. Bilateral trade between the two nations reached $10.2bn, with Uzbekistan exporting $1.7bn worth of goods to China and importing $8.5bn in return. While this was a slight dip from the $10.8bn in 2023, China has maintained its position as Uzbekistan’s largest trade partner since 2020, thanks in part to strategic agreements like the Bilateral Investment Treaty (BIT) and the Agreement on Avoidance of Double Taxation (DTA). Additionally, China’s investment footprint in Uzbekistan is hard to miss. By the end of 2022, China had invested a total of $4.5bn, with over 2,000 Chinese enterprises operating in the country as of January 1, 2024. These businesses span a wide range of sectors, from oil and gas exploration to infrastructure development, automotive assembly, agriculture, and textiles. Projects include the Pengsheng Industrial Park, which focuses on construction materials and modern agriculture with a $129mn investment, and the Anjiyan Textile Park, which specializes in textile production, backed by more than $64mn. The Luoyang-Bukhara Agricultural Cooperation Zone takes this partnership to the next level, blending agricultural cultivation with industrial activities for a dynamic collaboration. Agriculture has blossomed as a key area of collaboration between Uzbekistan and China in recent years. Uzbek exports, such as cherries, apricots, and dried fruits are hitting the sweet spot in China, while Chinese investments in agri-tech are giving Uzbekistan’s productivity and export game a major boost. When it comes to green energy, Uzbekistan’s renewable ambitions are getting a powerful push from Chinese know-how. A standout project, a 1 GW solar power plant under the Belt and Road Initiative, is a shining example of both nations’ dedication to a greener, more sustainable future. In addition, on December 5, Uzbekistan's Uzatom and China National Nuclear Corporation Overseas (CNOS) signed a cooperation agreement, setting the stage for small nuclear power plants and improved uranium processing in Uzbekistan. This follows earlier talks about tapping into China's expertise to enhance the country’s nuclear energy capabilities. The digital transformation of Uzbekistan is another exciting frontier of opportunity. With plans to expand its digital infrastructure, Chinese companies are stepping in with cutting-edge technologies like 5G networks and e-commerce platforms. These innovations are set to supercharge Uzbekistan’s digital economy, making it more efficient and connected than ever before. It’s a win-win that promises to drive growth and elevate the country’s technological landscape. Two major...

European Union EBRD China Environment Waste Management Ecology Waste Recycling

Solid Waste Recycling Plant Under Construction in Bishkek

Bishkek municipality has announced progress on the construction of a solid waste recycling plant at the city’s sanitary landfill, supported by a Chinese investor. Concrete foundations are being poured, and equipment and components for the facility have begun arriving from China. Currently, over 180 Chinese workers and engineers are active at the site. On March 29, Kyrgyzstan’s Cabinet of Ministers and the Chinese investor signed an agreement for the plant’s construction. The facility will generate electricity by incinerating municipal solid waste. In its initial phase, the plant is expected to process 1,000 tons of waste daily, with plans to increase capacity to 3,000 tons per day. The project’s total investment amounts to approximately $95 million, with construction slated for completion in December 2025. Addressing a Growing Problem Solid waste disposal has long been a critical issue in Kyrgyzstan, particularly in Bishkek, the nation’s largest city. According to the 24.kg news agency, the per capita production of waste is rising. Almaz Oskonbaev, an official from the Ministry of Natural Resources, Ecology, and Technical Supervision, reported that 1.792 million tons of solid waste were collected nationwide in 2023, a significant increase from 1.177 million tons in 2019. This equates to approximately 279 kilograms of garbage per person annually. Bishkek’s sanitary landfill currently receives around 200 tons of waste daily from the city and its suburbs, according to landfill director Nurlan Jumaliev. A New Landfill to Complement Recycling Efforts In a bid to improve waste management, Bishkek inaugurated a new sanitary landfill on October 31, 2023. Supported by the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) and the European Union (EU), this facility complies with both national and EU environmental standards. With a storage capacity of 1.9 million cubic meters, it is expected to accommodate the city’s waste disposal needs for at least a decade. The construction of the recycling plant represents a significant step forward in addressing Bishkek’s mounting waste challenges while contributing to sustainable energy production.

China Export/Import Xinjiang Silk Road Economic Belt Economic Cooperation International trade

Kazakhstan, Xinjiang, and Hong Kong Forge Trilateral Partnership to Boost Trade, Investment, and Connectivity

Kazakhstan, China’s Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region (XUAR), and the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region have agreed to establish a joint mechanism for trilateral cooperation. The agreement was reached on December 5 during a meeting in Urumqi, Xinjiang, attended by Kazakhstan's Vice Prime Minister Serik Jumangarin, XUAR Party Committee Secretary Ma Xingrui, and Hong Kong’s Secretary for Commerce and Economic Development Algernon Yau. At the meeting, Ma Xingrui underscored Xinjiang’s strategic role as a bridge connecting Kazakhstan with Hong Kong and the broader Belt and Road Initiative. Highlighting Kazakhstan as a critical transport hub linking Europe and Asia, and Hong Kong as a global trade and logistics center, Ma proposed developing a framework for collaboration. The suggested mechanism would focus on boosting investment and strengthening cooperation in key sectors, including finance, energy, agriculture, logistics, and cultural exchanges such as education, healthcare, tourism, and scientific research. Vice Prime Minister Jumangarin proposed establishing a Kazakhstan-Xinjiang-Hong Kong Cooperation Council to create actionable strategies for enhancing investment, trade, and economic ties. He suggested hosting the council’s inaugural meeting in Kazakhstan next year. Jumangarin also highlighted China’s significant investment in Kazakhstan, noting 145 joint projects worth $38 billion and 5,000 joint ventures currently operating in the country. He invited businesses from Hong Kong and Xinjiang to collaborate on establishing production facilities in Kazakhstan, particularly for the deep processing of agricultural raw materials. “Kazakhstan is a major exporter of grain and oilseed products, with growing livestock exports,” Jumangarin said. “We encourage businesses from Hong Kong and Xinjiang to partner with us in producing value-added food products.” Hong Kong’s Secretary for Commerce, Algernon Yau, emphasized the city’s status as the world’s third-largest financial center and a global aviation hub connecting over 200 destinations. He welcomed Kazakh enterprises to register in Hong Kong, highlighting the city’s strong ties with ASEAN countries, which could provide Kazakh companies with expanded access to those markets. In a separate meeting, Jumangarin and Ma Xingrui discussed plans to double trade turnover between Kazakhstan and Xinjiang. XUAR is Kazakhstan’s largest trading partner among Chinese regions, accounting for nearly half of the bilateral trade volume. In 2023, trade between Kazakhstan and XUAR grew by 62%, reaching $20.3 billion. During the first nine months of 2024, trade increased by another 22.46%, reaching $17.67 billion. Both sides are working toward the goal set by the presidents of Kazakhstan and China to raise overall trade turnover to $100 billion. Another key topic was the development of river transportation as an alternative to road and rail routes. Kazakhstan proposed creating a multimodal transit corridor through Russia, Kazakhstan, and China using the transboundary Irtysh River, with initial freight traffic volumes projected at 2–2.5 million tons. Additionally, a potential route along the transboundary Ili River was discussed, linking the Kazakh city of Konayev with the Chinese city of Yining. The agreements reached at the trilateral meeting represent a significant step toward closer collaboration between Kazakhstan, Xinjiang, and Hong Kong. With plans to enhance trade, investment, and infrastructure development, the partnership holds great...

Multimodal Transport Corrdior railroads International transport TITR Infrastructure Development Economic Growth China Transport

China to Transport Lithium-Ion Batteries Along TITR via Kazakhstan

This month marks a significant milestone in Kazakhstan-China transport cooperation with the test shipment of lithium-ion batteries from China via the Trans-Caspian International Transport Route (TITR). This major trade corridor links China to Europe through Kazakhstan and the Caucasus. The decision was announced following a meeting between Kazakhstan’s Minister of Transport Marat Karabayev and China’s Transport Minister Liu Wei in Beijing on December 5. Strengthening TITR Cooperation The two ministers agreed on initiatives to further develop the TITR, including the creation of a permanent working group to facilitate the seamless flow of goods. They also highlighted advancements in the digitization of transport operations. Truckers can now receive permit forms within an hour through a newly implemented digital platform, streamlining international road transportation. The TITR is seeing rapidly growing freight traffic. According to Kazakhstan’s Ministry of Transport, road freight volumes with China have more than doubled annually. Before 2023, Kazakh truckers made approximately 50,000 trips per year. In 2024, this figure is projected to reach 230,000 trips. Expanding Multimodal Transport The meeting also explored the potential for developing cargo transportation via transboundary rivers between the two nations. Both ministers noted a surge in rail and road freight volumes, as well as transit transportation through the Middle Corridor (another name for the TITR). From January to October 2024, rail freight between Kazakhstan and China increased by 13%, reaching 26.6 million tons. Road freight volumes soared by 60% in the third quarter alone, amounting to 1.9 million tons. Meanwhile, cargo transportation from China to Europe via the TITR has experienced explosive growth. In 2024, the volume surpassed 27,000 twenty-foot containers, a 25-fold increase compared to the same period in 2023.

Russia China Ukraine Diplomacy Nazarbayev C5+1 Trump

Tracing Ties: Donald Trump’s Diplomatic Legacy with Kazakhstan

Away from his business dealings, the official relationship between U.S. President-elect Donald Trump and the Central Asian republic began under the first president of Kazakhstan, Nursultan Nazarbayev. On January 17, 2018, Trump received Nazarbayev at the White House on an official visit, praising the existing relations between the two nations. “I’m thrilled that you’re here. Everyone deeply respects you. We have a wonderful relationship between our countries. Now, Kazakhstan is in a perfect situation. It is a great honor for us to receive you. What you have done for your country is truly remarkable,” Trump stated. It is widely-believed that during this visit, Nazarbayev warned Trump of the upcoming transition of power in Kazakhstan, naming Kassym-Jomart Tokayev as his successor. On June 25, 2019, following Kazakhstan’s presidential election, Trump sent a congratulatory telegram to Tokayev. “We have made great progress in our bilateral relations over the years, and I am confident that the spirit of our cooperation will continue to strengthen. It is gratifying that American businesses continue to open new opportunities to expand economic cooperation with Kazakhstan,” Trump wrote. According to the Akorda press service, the White House head noted that the U.S. intended to continue collaborating to promote an expanded strategic partnership with Kazakhstan. “I look forward to working with you to advance our deepened strategic partnership to counter common challenges; the United States values a strong partnership with Kazakhstan. It will continue to work with you and the people of Kazakhstan to advance our shared interests in Central Asia and globally. I wish you every success in your work,” Trump said in his message. Summarizing the Trump presidency’s impact on Central Asia in February 2021, renowned Kazakh economist, Zhandos Temirgali, emphasized his opinion that the “Trump administration has been prudent enough to maintain and develop the C5+1 format for cooperation with Central Asia, initiated in 2015 by the Obama administration, which was established in response to China’s One Belt, One Road initiative, and soon proposed a more global alternative: the Blue Dot Network. Over the years of Trump’s presidency, the C5+1 format has established itself as a reliable platform that unites the region’s states at the highest level in their pursuit of strategic cooperation with the leader of the [United States.].”