Kazakhstan's trade volume with China reached $13.2 billion in the first quarter, maintaining its lead in Central Asia
¬ $400 million investment! Chinese-Kazakh enterprises sign cooperation agreement as 1-million-ton wheat processing project launched
¬ Grain transport volume in Kazakhstan increased by 15% in Q1; feed flour exports to China doubled
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AKI News Agency — In the first quarter of 2026, Kazakhstan continued to lead Central Asian countries in trade volume with China.
According to data released by China’s General Administration of Customs, bilateral trade reached $13.2 billion, up 46.7% year-on-year, significantly outpacing other regional nations.
Uzbekistan ranked second with $4.1 billion in trade, a 36.7% increase; Kyrgyzstan followed with $4 billion, though down 34.4% year-on-year.
Meanwhile, Turkmenistan’s trade with China stood at $2.2 billion, down 4.3%; Tajikistan saw its trade grow to $1 billion, an increase of 19%.
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AKI News Agency — The Kazakh government formally signed an investment agreement on the “Construction of a grain processing plant in Akmola Region” project, jointly with Asia Altyn Dan Company and Dalian Hesheng Holdings Group from China.
The signing ceremony was hosted by Minister of Agriculture Ayayldarbek Saparovich, attended by representatives from Asia Altyn Dan Company, Deputy Chairman of Dalian Hesheng Holdings Group Yu Yufei, Governor Marat Akhmetzhanov of Akmola Region, and representatives from KAZAKH INVEST.
Saparovich stated that attracting investment into agro-industrial complexes is one of the key directions of national policy. He emphasized that Kazakhstan already has a stable raw material base, providing strong support for grain processing projects. According to national development goals, the share of agricultural product processing will be raised to 70%, with ambitions to enter the global top ten in production and export of processed grain products within the next decade—transitioning from raw material exports to high-value-added industrial economy.
Currently, three grain processing enterprises are already operational in Kazakhstan, with a combined processing capacity of 5.1 million tons, primarily producing starch, gluten, syrups, and bioethanol.
The project is located in the investment zone of Alsharay District, Akmola Region, and will be implemented by Asia Altyn Dan Company. Governor Akhmetzhanov noted that this region, as a core area rich in agricultural resources, offers favorable conditions for investment. Once operational, the project is expected to create around 3,000 jobs, boost output of high-value-added products, and strengthen export capabilities.
Yu Yufei, project initiator, explained that Phase I of the project will enable annual processing of 1 million tons of wheat, expected to produce up to 500,000 tons of monosodium glutamate (MSG), approximately 300,000 tons of premium-quality wheat gluten, along with animal feed and other by-products annually.
The investors highlighted that Kazakhstan is a strategic partner with significant agricultural potential and a favorable investment environment. This project will serve as a model for international industrial collaboration, enhancing global competitiveness and expanding market reach.
It is noted that Dalian Hesheng Holdings Group possesses advanced biotechnological fermentation techniques, enabling near 100% utilization of starch in grains—far surpassing traditional methods, which typically achieve no more than 50% starch efficiency. This technological advantage will significantly improve raw material utilization rates.
In addition, the company brings over 40 years of experience in wheat and corn processing, contributing to enhanced competitiveness of Kazakh products in international markets.
Under the agreement, investors will establish a continuous training mechanism, upgrading professional skills of at least 40 local employees annually. They will also participate in social initiatives including sports facility construction, education, culture, and youth programs. In return, the Kazakh side pledges support in taxation, tariffs, and other state incentives within legal frameworks.
It is reported that to enhance agricultural product processing ratios and promote processed grain products into global markets, Kazakhstan is currently advancing six large-scale projects with a total capacity of 5.8 million tons and total investment of about $400 million.
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AKI News Agency — According to the Ministry of Transport’s press office, on the 3rd, the Ministry convened a coordination meeting of the Grain Transportation Task Force together with relevant ministries, carriers, and business representatives.
At the meeting, participants assessed the current grain transportation situation and decided on a series of coordinated emergency measures to ensure stability and continuity of the transportation chain.
Data shows that Kazakhstan’s total grain transportation volume reached 4.1 million tons in the first quarter of 2026, up 15% year-on-year.
Of this, export volume amounted to 3.2 million tons, a rise of 18%; domestic transportation reached 900,000 tons, up 8%. Exports to Central Asian countries showed particularly strong growth—up 48%, totaling 2.1 million tons, including 1.5 million tons sent to Uzbekistan.
Transportation to and through Russia totaled 512,000 tons.
Grain shipments to Afghanistan surged dramatically to 302,000 tons—a fourfold increase compared to the same period last year.
Feed flour exports to China doubled year-on-year, reaching 1 million tons.
The Ministry of Transport affirmed that the Coordination Task Force will continue its operations, focusing on ensuring smooth transportation processes and further strengthening collaboration among all market participants.
Original source: toutiao.com/article/1864326812758025/
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