Forum of Kazakh Exporters in Astana explores new trade opportunities with China
Astana hosted the Forum of Kazakh Exporters on March 26, which brought together key stakeholders, policymakers, and business leaders from Kazakhstan and China to deliberate on enhancing economic cooperation and forging stronger ties, reports Kazinform News Agency correspondent.
The conference featured an illustrious lineup of guest speakers, including high-ranking government officials, renowned economists, and industry experts.
Among them were Arman Shakkaliyev, Minister of Trade and Integration of Kazakhstan, who provided insights into the country's trade policies and highlighted the government's commitment to fostering economic cooperation with China; Zhang Xiao, Ambassador of China to Kazakhstan, and Maksat Kaliakparov, Vice Minister of Transport of Kazakhstan, who outlined the existing trade dynamics between the two countries and discussed strategies and future projects to overcome challenges and explore new avenues for collaboration.
“Our main focus at the moment is agricultural crops and products: flour, vegetable oil, and cereals. We have begun to develop trade with Sichuan and plan to introduce this cooperation in our country's regions. For 2023, the export volume (of agricultural crops and products) amounted to $41 million. To further develop export trade, the focus should be on transport and logistics turnover to expand the gates,” said Shakkaliyev.
The Chinese side is also optimistic about the opportunities stemming from cooperation.
“We hope to further enhance trade with Kazakh enterprises and explore more possibilities for cooperation. By strengthening bilateral trade, we can complement each other's resources and meet market demand together. We look forward to cooperating with Kazakh enterprises, promoting scientific and technological innovation, and injecting new impetus into the economic growth of the two countries,” said Huang Zhuoren, Vice President of Small and Medium Business of China and Chairman of Lihe Group, at the forum.
“We encourage both sides to strengthen personnel, develop exchange and training, enhance mutual understanding and trust, and lay a solid foundation for cooperation. We hope to work together with the Kazakh government to provide a more favorable policy environment and support the development and cooperation of small and medium-sized enterprises,” he added.
Other speakers also presented their companies and future partnership plans, encouraging further discussions of new opportunities for trade and export.
The conference's primary goals were to facilitate trade and investment between Kazakhstan and China by fostering dialogue, addressing barriers, promoting bilateral cooperation in various sectors, and exploring new opportunities.
