Jul 18, 2026
The working visit to Shanghai by Head of State Kassym-Jomart Tokayev, at the invitation of Chinese President Xi Jinping and timed to coincide with his participation in the World Artificial Intelligence Conference (WAIC 2026), has, in essence, become one of the key foreign policy events of the year. President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev highlighted Kazakhstan’s presence on the global AI agenda, emphasising digitalisation as the new foundation for bilateral cooperation between Astana and Beijing. What opportunities does digitalisation, as the new axis of bilateral relations, open up for Kazakhstan’s economy? Find out in this analysis by a Kazinform correspondent.
— China enjoys enormous prestige within the international community, and its achievements have been recognised throughout the world. Today, we are all watching with great interest the impressive changes taking place in your country. I believe that this is, first and foremost, the result of your far-sighted leadership and tireless work. I have the deepest respect for you as a strong leader guiding your people forward, and as a wise statesman of global stature. We are always ready to support your noble initiatives. Kazakhstan remains committed to comprehensively strengthening its enduring and strategic partnership with China,” said Kassym-Jomart Tokayev.
The President noted that in recent years, political dialogue between the two countries has intensified significantly, and cooperation now covers virtually all key areas — from industry and energy to the digital economy and artificial intelligence.
Particular attention has been paid to economic cooperation. Today, China is Kazakhstan’s largest trading partner. The volume of bilateral trade has reached $49 billion, whilst China’s total investment in Kazakhstan’s economy has exceeded $30 billion. More than 8,500 companies with Chinese participation are operating in the country. The assessments made by the Chinese leader were no less telling.
“Through our joint efforts, the relations of eternal, comprehensive strategic partnership between China and Kazakhstan have reached a high level. At the same time, there is considerable potential for their further development. The President of Kazakhstan is pursuing a policy of friendship towards China, which serves the interests of the peoples of both countries,” noted Xi Jinping.
In effect, these statements served as political confirmation that Beijing regards Kazakhstan as one of its key partners in Central Asia, not only in the fields of trade and transit, but also in shaping the new technological architecture of Eurasia.
Following the talks, a Programme and a Roadmap for trade and economic cooperation between the governments of Kazakhstan and China for 2027–2030 were signed. The documents set out long-term guidelines for bilateral cooperation and lay the foundations for the implementation of new investment and technological projects.
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