The year 2026 has been declared a cross-year between the two countries. In China, it is the Year of Imports of Kazakhstani goods, while in Kazakhstan it is the Year of Exports to China. This was announced by the Minister of Trade and Integration of the Republic of Kazakhstan, Arman Shakkaliyev, during a trade and economic mission to China. As part of the mission, Kazakhstani companies held negotiations with more than 100 Chinese partners.
China remains Kazakhstan’s largest trading partner. In recent years, trade turnover has steadily increased, reaching $48.7 billion.
The cross-year format provides a clear framework for business. It is not only about increasing supply volumes but also about building sustainable distribution channels, developing e-commerce, and establishing direct contacts between producers and importers. Against this backdrop, the structure of cooperation is also evolving. The focus is shifting from raw material supplies to value-added products and the development of processing industries.
“The cross-year format sends a clear signal to business. The Chinese market is open and ready to work with Kazakhstani products. Our task is not only to increase supply volumes but to build sustainable distribution channels and promote value-added products. Tools such as trade and economic missions and work through our pavilions allow us to move more quickly to contracts and gain a foothold in the market,” – noted the CEO of the national export development operator QazTrade, Aitmukhammed Aldazharov.
One of the outcomes of the mission was the signing of a memorandum between QazTrade and Kazakhstan–China Hengtong (Qingdao) Supply Chain. The parties agreed to jointly promote Kazakhstani products in the Chinese market through the Kazakh pavilion in Qingdao.