Bilateral trade between Kazakhstan and China has reached a record $48.7 billion, marking an 11% year-on-year increase and signaling deepening economic ties between the two neighbors.

Chinese Ambassador Han Chunlin described the next five years as a “crucial period” for advancing cooperation across multiple sectors, The Caspian Post reports via Kazakh media.

The diplomat emphasized that collaboration is expanding well beyond traditional industries like energy and mining. While oil, petrochemicals, and infrastructure remain key pillars, new growth areas are rapidly emerging-including automotive manufacturing, green energy, modern agriculture, and construction materials.

Han also pointed to strengthening political trust and a growing network of agreements signed in 2025, covering education, science and technology, tourism, and sports.

A major driver of closer ties has been rising people-to-people connectivity. The introduction of a reciprocal visa-free regime has significantly boosted travel flows, with the Khorgos International Border Cooperation Center now seeing nearly 30,000 people daily. The “Year of Chinese Tourism” in Kazakhstan has further fueled spontaneous cross-border trips, turning tourism into one of the fastest-growing areas of cooperation.

Looking ahead, both countries are entering pivotal development phases. China is launching its next five-year strategy, while Kazakhstan continues political and economic reforms. Han underscored that these parallel transformations are creating fresh momentum for long-term partnership.

Echoing remarks by Xi Jinping, the ambassador said both nations are navigating a defining stage of national development-one that could unlock a new wave of regional growth and connectivity across Eurasia.