Kanat Sharlapayev Discussed Expanding Kazakhstan–China Investment Cooperation with the Leadership of CCPIT Shanghai

In Shanghai, Chairman of the Presidium of the National Chamber of Entrepreneurs of the Republic of Kazakhstan "Atameken" Kanat Sharlapayev held a meeting with Li Dong, Chairman of the Shanghai Committee of the China Council for the Promotion of International Trade (CCPIT Shanghai).

The meeting was also attended by Chen Hong, Director of the Department of Trade and Investment Promotion; Wang Lei, Secretary General of the Secretariat; Zhou Yannan, Deputy Director of the Department of International Relations; and Jiang Guandi, Asia Affairs Specialist of the Department of International Relations.

CCPIT is one of China's largest organizations promoting international trade, investment, and economic cooperation. The organization maintains partnerships with chambers of commerce and industry, investment promotion agencies, and business associations in more than 100 countries and regions, serving as one of the key institutions of China's economic diplomacy and an active participant in the implementation of the Belt and Road Initiative.

Opening the meeting, Kanat Sharlapayev noted that the talks were taking place on the eve of the Roundtable with high-tech companies of the People's Republic of China, to be attended by President of the Republic of Kazakhstan Kassym-Jomart Tokayev, and reflected the high level of Kazakhstan-China economic cooperation.

"Shanghai is China's largest international financial, commercial, and technological center. It is home to leading industrial companies, innovative enterprises, and global supply chains. Therefore, cooperation with CCPIT Shanghai is of particular practical interest to us," emphasized the Chairman of the Presidium of Atameken.

Kanat Sharlapayev noted that cooperation between the National Chamber of Entrepreneurs "Atameken" and CCPIT has significantly strengthened in recent years. The China–Central Asia Business Council has been established, a Memorandum of Cooperation is being implemented, joint business forums are held annually, and the participation of Kazakh companies in China's largest exhibitions continues to expand.

During the talks, the parties discussed further development of cooperation between Atameken and CCPIT Shanghai, expansion of investment cooperation, strengthening direct ties between the business communities of Kazakhstan and China, and new formats for joint activities.

Particular attention was paid to cooperation in artificial intelligence, digital technologies, industrial cooperation, production localization, transport and logistics infrastructure, deep processing of critical minerals, mechanical engineering, the agro-industrial sector, and green energy. The parties also discussed mechanisms for the regular exchange of investment projects, organization of B2B meetings, and support for companies entering the markets of the two countries.

Special attention was also given to the possibility of opening a representative office of CCPIT Shanghai in Kazakhstan. According to both sides, this would strengthen institutional cooperation, expand direct contacts between the business communities of the two countries, improve support for investment projects, and provide additional momentum for the implementation of joint high-tech initiatives.

In addition, Kanat Sharlapayev proposed intensifying the participation of Kazakh companies in major international exhibitions and forums organized by CCPIT Shanghai, as well as expanding cooperation on integrating domestic enterprises into international production and supply chains.

"Today, Kazakhstan is becoming an important transit and manufacturing hub linking China, Central Asia, and Europe. We propose to involve Kazakh enterprises more actively in the international production chains being developed by Chinese companies by advancing joint projects in industrial cooperation and logistics," stated the Chairman of the Presidium of Atameken.

Following the meeting, the parties confirmed their mutual interest in further strengthening cooperation between the National Chamber of Entrepreneurs of the Republic of Kazakhstan "Atameken" and CCPIT Shanghai, expanding direct contacts between the business communities of the two countries, attracting investment, and implementing joint projects that will contribute to the further development of Kazakhstan-China trade and economic partnership.