Kazakhstan Steps Into China’s Massive Retail Market With Local Delicacies and Exports at CIIE 2025

At the bustling 8th China International Import Expo (CIIE) in Shanghai, Kazakhstan is making waves with its expanding export ambitions and growing cooperation with China.

Thanks to a joint push from QazTrade and the National Association of Cooperatives of Kazakhstan (NACOFEC), Chinese consumers will soon find Kazakh honey, kumys (a traditional fermented dairy product made from mare milk), shubat (a traditional, fermented camel milk beverage popular in Central Asia), and sweets lining the shelves of major Chinese retail networks - a system of over 340,000 stores with an annual turnover of more than 7 trillion yuan, The Caspian Post reports via Kazakh media.

Over 30 Kazakh companies and cooperatives - including QazExport Global, Kokshetau Mineral Water, Mareven Food Tien Shan, and NefisGroup Ltd. - are showcasing their products at the event, highlighting Kazakhstan’s diverse potential in food, beverages, and organic goods.

QazTrade CEO Aitmukhammed Aldazharov emphasized that this cooperative-driven strategy is key to assisting Kazakh producers build a long-term foothold in the Chinese market.

In addition, a new business acceleration and training program is being rolled out to help Chinese firms strengthen their presence in Kazakhstan and Central Asia, creating a win-win environment for both sides.

Kazakhstan’s participation spans four major platforms - the National Pavilion, China Co-Op Stand, Jiangsu SOHO Platform, and Almaty City Pavilion - marking its largest-ever presence at the expo.