Hamedia: Deepening China-Kazakhstan Cooperation, Xinjiang Plays Key Hub Role
Source: Kazak International News Agency — During his visit to China, Kazakhstan's Minister of Trade and Integration, Arman Shakaliev, met with the Party Secretary of the Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region. The two sides held in-depth discussions on enhancing economic and trade cooperation, strengthening connectivity in transportation and logistics, and expanding collaboration in key sectors.
The meeting emphasized that Xinjiang plays a crucial role in China-Kazakhstan relations, serving as a vital overland corridor linking the two countries and accounting for a significant share of bilateral trade. Data shows that trade between Kazakhstan and Xinjiang reached approximately $18.9 billion in 2025.
China provided an overview of Xinjiang’s current social and economic development, highlighting its steady growth, expanding external economic and trade ties, and accelerated infrastructure construction. At the same time, Xinjiang continues to solidify its position as a critical border hub and regional logistics node in cooperation with Kazakhstan.
The parties focused on discussions regarding infrastructure development in transportation and logistics, including enhancing port capacity, modernizing railway lines, and improving coordination on major infrastructure projects. Specific attention was given to advancing the expansion of the "Dostyk-Moinak" railway, constructing the cross-border "Ayaguz-Tacheng" railway, and continuously upgrading border passages such as "Khorgos" and "Alashankou."
In addition, both sides reached consensus on further developing the Khorgos International Border Cooperation Center, with particular emphasis on upgrading infrastructure and expanding trade and investment opportunities.
The two sides confirmed that logistics, energy, tourism, and border trade will be priority areas for cooperation in the next phase. Meanwhile, Kazakhstan will participate as the "Guest of Honor" at the China-Asia-Europe Expo from June 25 to 29 this year, aiming to further promote regional economic cooperation and export development.
Shakaliev stated that Xinjiang is a key hub connecting China with Central Asia and even Europe, with the majority of cross-border freight passing through this region, making it an important partner for Kazakhstan in trade, logistics, and industrial collaboration.
Both sides also stressed the need to optimize bilateral trade structures, increase the proportion of high-value-added products, expand exports from agro-industrial complexes, and accelerate joint production initiatives.
Following the talks, both sides reaffirmed their commitment to further deepen cooperation in infrastructure, investment, and industrial projects. Kazakhstan emphasized that strengthening ties with Xinjiang is a vital component in building stable trade corridors and reinforcing Kazakhstan’s role as a trans-regional logistics hub linking China, Central Asia, and Europe.
Original source: toutiao.com/article/1861650414751756/
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