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Chinese publication All China Review has published an analytical article describing Kazakhstan as the leading economy in Central Asia and explaining the factors that have enabled the country to maintain its regional leadership.
The authors note that over the past decade Kazakhstan has become the main driver of Central Asia's economic growth, supported by rising domestic demand, the development of transport corridors, growing inflows of foreign investment and the implementation of economic reforms. According to the publication, Kazakhstan's economic potential largely shapes China's overall approach to the region.
The article states that Kazakhstan's nominal GDP reached $306 billion in 2025, accounting for 53.7% of Central Asia's combined economic output. More than half of the region's total economic production is generated by Kazakhstan.
The authors also highlight the country's high level of economic diversification. Trade accounts for nearly 20% of gross value added, manufacturing contributes 13%, while the mining sector represents 11.9%. In addition, Kazakhstan has the largest banking system in Central Asia. As of January 2026, banking sector assets stood at $140 billion, while total deposits reached $96.4 billion.
Citing the UNCTAD World Investment Report 2025, the article says Kazakhstan's stock of foreign direct investment (FDI) reached $151.3 billion, representing 68.6% of all FDI accumulated by the countries of Central Asia.
The publication also places particular emphasis on the development of Kazakhstan-China cooperation. Bilateral trade reached a record $48 billion in 2025, and the two governments aim to increase that figure to $100 billion by 2030. According to the article, more than 85% of overland freight traffic between China and Europe passes through Kazakhstan, reinforcing the country's position as a key transport hub of the Belt and Road Initiative.
The publication further notes that Kazakhstan ranks 49th globally in projected economic size for 2026, according to the International Monetary Fund (IMF). It is also ranked 55th in Harvard University's Economic Complexity Index and 68th in the Index of Economic Freedom.
According to the authors, Kazakhstan's leadership is based not only on the size of its economy, but also on its diversification, well-developed financial system, the quality of its public institutions and its ability to attract long-term investment. These advantages, the publication says, are being strengthened by the country's ongoing reforms and will enable Kazakhstan to retain its status as Central Asia's leading economic centre over the long term.
Earlier this week, Kazakh President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev visited Shanghai, where he attended the opening ceremony of the World Artificial Intelligence Conference (WAIC 2026) and held talks with Chinese President Xi Jinping.
During the meeting, the two leaders discussed expanding trade, economic and investment cooperation, developing transport and logistics corridors, implementing joint infrastructure projects, and broadening cooperation in digital technologies and artificial intelligence.
