As part of the continuation of his official visit to China, the Minister of Trade and Integration of the Republic of Kazakhstan, Arman Shakkaliyev, held a meeting with the Secretary of the Party Committee of the Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region (XUAR), Chen Xiaojiang.
During the meeting, it was noted that XUAR plays a system-forming role in Kazakhstan-China relations, acting as the main land bridge between the two countries and forming a significant part of mutual trade. As of the end of 2025, the trade turnover between Kazakhstan and XUAR amounted to approximately 18.9 billion US dollars.
The Chinese side provided an overview of the current pace of socio-economic development in XUAR, emphasizing the region's sustainable growth, expansion of foreign economic ties, and active infrastructure modernization. It was noted that XUAR continues to strengthen its role as a key center for cross-border cooperation and a transit hub for interaction with Kazakhstan.
Special attention was paid to the development of transport and logistics infrastructure. The parties discussed measures to increase the capacity of border checkpoints, modernize railway routes, and synchronize infrastructure projects.
The importance of implementing initiatives such as the expansion of the "Dostyk–Moyynty" section, the construction of the "Ayagoz–Tacheng" railway crossing, and the development of the "Khorgos" and "Alashankou" border hubs was noted. The need to further increase capacity and eliminate infrastructure bottlenecks was emphasized.
Separate attention was given to the development of the "Khorgos" International Center for Cross-Border Cooperation, including the modernization of its infrastructure and the expansion of opportunities for trade and investment.
Logistics, energy, tourism, and the development of cross-border trade were also identified as priority areas.
The parties reached an agreement on the active participation of the Kazakh side in the international EXPO "China–Eurasia," where Kazakhstan will participate as a guest of honor. The event will take place from June 25 to 29 of this year and is one of the key international platforms in the region aimed at developing trade and economic cooperation, promoting exports, and strengthening business ties between Eurasian countries.
Interest was also confirmed in ensuring the participation of delegations from Kazakhstan's border regions in the Second International Conference of the Greater Altai.
In turn, the Minister of Trade and Integration of the Republic of Kazakhstan emphasized the strategic importance of XUAR:
"Xinjiang is a key link in the system of cross-border and transit interaction. The main flow of goods passes through the region, making it Kazakhstan's most important partner in the development of trade, logistics, and industrial cooperation."
The Minister invited the Chinese side to visit Kazakhstan to participate in the Forum of Interregional Cooperation and the Friendly Dialogue of Border Regions, which are scheduled to be held this year.
Separate attention was paid to the need to diversify mutual trade, including increasing the share of high value-added products, developing agricultural exports, and launching joint production facilities.
Following the meeting, the parties confirmed their readiness to further deepen cooperation, including the implementation of joint infrastructure, investment, and industrial projects.
The Minister emphasized that the development of cooperation with XUAR is a key element of Kazakhstan's strategy to form sustainable trade routes and strengthen the country's role as a transit and logistics hub between China, Central Asia, and Europe.
