Kazakhstan and China to enhance investment cooperation
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The Majilis of the Kazakh Parliament has ratified the Agreement between the governments of the Republic of Kazakhstan and the People’s Republic of China on encouragement and mutual protection of investments, Qazinform News Agency reports.
According to Deputy Foreign Minister Alibek Kuantyrov, the agreement was signed on June 16, 2025, during the Chinese leader’s visit to Astana.
The document updates the existing international treaty between Kazakhstan and China as of August 10, 1992, expands the two countries’ investment capabilities, offers new mechanisms of protection and guarantee and elevates the bilateral cooperation to a new level.
The international treaty not only provides legal guarantees to investors of both parties but also ensures open and clear conditions for investment activities. It enshrines provisions for protection against expropriation, access to international arbitration, and fair and equitable attitude to investors," Kuantyrov noted.
According to him, relations between Kazakhstan and China have reached a comprehensive strategic partnership since independence.
In 2025, foreign direct investment from China reached $2.8 billion, a 135% increase compared to the same period a year earlier. Total Chinese investment between 2005 and 2025 amounted to $29.3 billion.
FDI outflow from Kazakhstani investors to China totaled $54.8 million in 2025, bringing cumulative investment from Kazakhstan over 2005-2025 to $926.9 million.
From January to December 2025, bilateral trade turnover reached $34.1 billion, up 13.2% year-on-year.
As a reminder, Kazakhstan and the Sultanate of Oman signed an Investment Cooperation Agreement.
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Kazakhstan accounts for 80% of Austria's trade with Central Asia - President Tokayev
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President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev of Kazakhstan met on Wednesday with Austria's Federal Minister for European and International Affairs, Beate Meinl-Reisinger, and Federal Minister of the Interior, Gerhard Karner, Qazinform News Agency reports, citing the Akorda press service.
Welcoming the high-ranking guests, the Head of State highlighted the importance of the Austrian business delegation accompanying the ministers.
I believe that the joint visit of two key ministers of the Austrian Government is of exceptional importance in giving additional momentum to bilateral cooperation. Austria is a reliable and long-standing strategic partner of Kazakhstan. It has invested more than $3 billion in our economy, and mutual trade is also showing growth. This is a very positive trend.
We are in close contact with your missions at the United Nations and the OSCE, and it is my view that such ties will continue to develop. Austria is, without a doubt, a highly developed country in many respects. That is why we greatly value the achieved level of contacts and are confident that Kazakhstan will continue to play a vital role for you in the region. As of today, Kazakhstan accounts for over 80% of Austria's trade with Central Asian countries," Kassym-Jomart Tokayev said.
The Kazakh President welcomed the active cooperation between the relevant ministries and agencies of the two countries. In particular, visa-free agreements for diplomatic passport holders and on readmission came into force on May 1, 2026.
The Head of State also noted the growing cross-border nature of modern challenges and emphasized the need to deepen cooperation between law enforcement agencies.
In turn, Beate Meinl-Reisinger and Gerhard Karner thanked Kassym-Jomart Tokayev for the meeting and conveyed greetings from the President of Austria, Alexander Van der Bellen.
The Austrian foreign minister said that their visit is taking place at a very timely moment, noting that Kazakhstan is Austria's crucial partner in Central Asia, not only economically but also politically. She added that the two countries cooperate closely on security, migration, and multilateral platforms. Beate Meinl-Reisinger also expressed her pleasure at having hosted the Kazakh Foreign Minister in Vienna for the OSCE ministerial meeting, as Austria highly values Kazakhstan's leadership in that organization.
During the meeting, the parties discussed expanding economic cooperation as well as current aspects of the regional and international agenda.
Kassym-Jomart Tokayev conveyed warm wishes to President Alexander Van der Bellen, reaffirming his invitation for the Austrian leader to visit Kazakhstan at a convenient time.
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Tokayev: Our country can fully rely on its Armed Forces
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At a state ceremony for awarding national honors and military ranks, devoted to May 7 Fatherland Defender's Day, President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev emphasized the strength and dedication of Kazakhstan’s Armed Forces, Qazinform News Agency reports.
In his speech, the President described the army as "a reliable shield of our sacred Independence," highlighting its role in safeguarding peace and territorial integrity.
The Head of State emphasized that law enforcement agencies ensure the rule of law, public order, and national security, while rescue services tirelessly work for the safety of citizens despite risks. He reminded that Kazakhstan is the only CIS country to receive the UN mandate to carry out independent peacekeeping missions, which reflects the high international authority of its Armed Forces.
Tokayev highlighted the achievements of Kazakh special forces in international competitions, including victories in Dubai where the women’s team "Tomiris" impressed the world with their skill and determination.
It is clear that all of this is the result of the persistent work of our soldiers, distinguished by strong spirit, inexhaustible energy, and loyalty to their oath. The state will always support such valiant fighters. And this is our foremost task in the interests of the country and the future of the nation," Tokayev stressed.
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New 1st Deputy Prime Minister of Kazakhstan named
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The Head of State decreed to appoint Nurlybek Nalibayev as the First Deputy Prime Minister of Kazakhstan, relieving him of his previous post, Qazinform News Agency cites the Akorda press service.
He was born in 1976 in Kyzylorda region.
Graduated from the Kazakh State Agrarian University and the Kazakh Law and Humanities University.
He started his career in 1997 in Kazakhoil-commerce company.
Throughout the years, he acted as the governor of Shieli district of Kyzylorda region and Mayor of Kyzylorda city.
Since April 7, 2022, up to the present, has been serving as the Governor of Kyzylorda region.
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The President received Zhang Qihai, Chairman of Xinjiang Lihua Co., Ltd
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The discussion focused on the development of a vertically integrated cotton-textile cluster with full-cycle production in Kazakhstan, akorda.kz reports.
Kassym-Jomart Tokayev was informed that the project would significantly reduce import dependence and supply the domestic market with competitive products.
The Chairman of Xinjiang Lihua told Kassym-Jomart Tokayev that a number of facilities had already been commissioned, including two cotton-processing plants. In the upcoming years, the company plans to launch the production of nonwoven fabric, home textiles, and clothing.
The implementation of the project will enable the expansion of cotton plantations up to 52,000 hectares utilizing innovative digital technologies and drip irrigation.
The first stage of the project will see a $360 million investment in the cotton cluster, which is expected to create over 4,000 jobs.
The Head of State emphasized the cluster’s importance for the development of the agricultural industry and manufacturing in the south of the country. In his opinion, the company should focus on training local staff.
The President also highlighted the need for the widespread use of water-saving technologies and supported the implementation of smart digital solutions and artificial intelligence, given the high resource consumption of cotton farming.
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Kazakhstan names new Head of Presidential Administration
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The Head of State decreed to appoint Roman Sklyar as the Head of the Presidential Administration of the Republic of Kazakhstan, relieving him of his previous post, Qazinform News Agency cites the Akorda press service.
He graduated from the Pavlodar State University, Moscow Institute of Modern Business and Kazakh Institute of Legal Studies and International Relations.
Roman Sklyar graduated from the Pavlodar State University, the Moscow Institute of Modern Business and the Kazakh Institute of Legal Studies and International Relations.
He began his career in 1989 at Ekibastuzugleavtomatika.
Held various roles in Pavlodar companies (1990-2002).
He also served in akimats of Pavlodar city and Pavlodar region in 2003-2006, and worked in Astana akimat in 2006.
He was appointed as the Vice Minister of Transport and Communications in 2011, Vice Minister of National Economy in 2016, Minister of Industry and Infrastructure Development in 2019, Deputy Prime Minister in September 2019 and First Deputy Prime Minister in January 2022.
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