The Almaty Region Strengthens Strategic Partnership with Jiangsu Province
An important meeting aimed at developing interregional cooperation with the People’s Republic of China was held in the Almaty Region. Chairman of the Regional Maslikhat K.S. Baigodzhayev, together with representatives of the regional administration, met with a delegation of deputies from Jiangsu Province, one of China’s leading regions.
Over the 34 years since the establishment of diplomatic relations between Kazakhstan and China, a strong partnership has been built on trusted political dialogue, effective economic ties, and mutual respect. The Almaty Region plays a special role in strengthening these relations. Due to its advantageous geographical location and more than 1,700 kilometers of shared border with China, the region has become an important center for the development of bilateral cooperation.
Particular importance is attached to cooperation with Jiangsu Province, one of China’s most economically developed regions. This interregional partnership opens up new opportunities in trade, investment, industry, and infrastructure, contributing to the implementation of mutually beneficial projects.
During the meeting, the parties emphasized the importance of strengthening friendly relations. It was noted that, as a Chinese proverb says, “the road becomes easier when you walk with a friend,” and that mutual understanding and trust serve as the foundation for long-term cooperation. As President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev has repeatedly emphasized, China is a strategic partner and a reliable friend of Kazakhstan, and the development of cooperation with China remains one of the country’s foreign policy priorities.
It was also noted that the Almaty Region plays an important role in implementing China’s “Belt and Road Initiative.” Transport and logistics corridors passing through the region contribute to the growth of international trade flows and the strengthening of economic integration.
In recent years, the economy of the Almaty Region has demonstrated steady growth. At the end of last year, the region rose from 10th to 5th place in the country in terms of gross regional product, showing record development rates. Currently, the region’s foreign trade relations cover more than 100 countries worldwide.
Trade and economic cooperation with China is also actively developing. Over the past three years, bilateral trade turnover has consistently exceeded 1 billion US dollars.
Investment cooperation is progressing successfully as well. Today, 143 enterprises with Chinese and joint capital participation operate in the Almaty Region. These projects contribute to the growth of the region’s industrial potential and the creation of new jobs.
Overall, the partnership between the Almaty Region and China has developed into an effective model based on mutual trust and good-neighborly relations. Going forward, such meetings and joint initiatives will contribute to bringing bilateral cooperation to a new level.
