Chongqing—The China (Chongqing)-Kazakhstan Economic and Trade Cooperation Matchmaking Conference was held in Chongqing on May 23, bringing together more than 200 representatives to strengthen economic ties between the two regions. 

Kazakh firms keen to partner with Chongqing businesses

The event welcomed nearly 30 companies from Kazakhstan, primarily in the food and agricultural processing sectors, who engaged in on-site matchmaking with over 120 Chongqing enterprises. Organizers expect the event to yield over 40 new cooperation agreements.

A key outcome of the conference was signing a strategic memorandum of cooperation between the China Council for the Promotion of International Trade, Chongqing Committee, and the Kazakhstan Trade Policy Development Center, laying the groundwork for long-term collaboration in trade policy and commercial development.

The China Council for the Promotion of International Trade, Chongqing Committee, and the Kazakhstan Trade Policy Development Center signed the cooperation memorandum. (Photo/CCPIT Chongqing)

During their recent visit to Chongqing, the Kazakh delegation toured Chongqing Zhoujunji Hot-pot Food Co., Ltd., a leading hot pot seasoning manufacturer. The visit included discussions on food trade, technology transfer, and potential collaboration between Kazakh agricultural producers and Chinese food processing enterprises.

They also visited the National Boutique Goods Trade Center in the Chongqing Comprehensive Bonded Zone. The center is designed to integrate domestic and international trade resources, serve as a strong supply chain platform, and act as a training ground for developing future trade professionals.

Kazakh enterprises showed strong interest in partnering with Chongqing firms after experiencing the appeal of Chinese-made products. In 2024, trade between Chongqing and Kazakhstan hit 2.354 billion yuan, up 11% year-on-year, underscoring Kazakhstan’s rising role as a key trade partner for western China.

Kazakh farm exports to China jump 84% to $1B in 2023

Kazakhstan, with exports exceeding $40 billion and continuing to grow, plays a pivotal role in Central Asia's economic landscape. It serves as a critical bridge between China and Europe—both geographically and geopolitically—under the framework of the Belt and Road Initiative. 

Kazakhstan's high-quality wheat and expansive arable land position it as a strategic supplier to China's food market. As China aims to bolster food security and diversify import sources, Kazakhstan's proximity and production capabilities present significant advantages.

Zhamalova Aizhan, Chief Representative of Kazakhstan's Food Contract Corporation Beijing Representative Office, introduced the organization's role in facilitating grain exports. The state-owned corporation not only signs direct export contracts but also enables Kazakhstan's farmers and enterprises to reach foreign markets through tripartite agreements.

"With strong harvests and robust government support, we are expanding into new markets," Zhamalova noted. Kazakhstan currently exports 12 million tons of grain annually and has extended its footprint to countries such as Belgium, Poland, Morocco, the UAE, and Vietnam.

Regarding the Chinese market, Kazakhstan's agricultural exports to China alone surged 84% in 2023, reaching $1 billion and making China its largest agricultural export destination. 

The two nations have signed protocols covering 28 agricultural products—18 crop varieties and 10 livestock items—including chilled meat, poultry, offal, beet pulp, and potatoes. More than 2,400 Kazakh enterprises are now registered to export goods like safflower meal, peas, lentils, and rapeseed to China.