The multi-billion U.S. dollar agreements signed by China and Kazakhstan will deliver benefits to the Kazakh population and even other people in the entire Central Asian region, said Kazakh Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Alibek Kuantyrov on Monday.
China and Kazakhstan have signed 58 commercial documents worth 24 billion U.S. dollars at the second Central Asia-China Industrial and Investment Cooperation Forum on Monday in the Kazakh capital of Astana.
The forum was held ahead of the second China-Central Asia Summit which brings together leaders of China, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan.
In an interview with China Global Television Network (CGTN), Kazakh Deputy Foreign Minister Alibek Kuantyrov said the agreements will boost a wide range of sectors under the framework of the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI).
"Today in general we have signed 58 commercial documents worth 24 billion dollars. So it is of great importance for us. And it's not only about the money, but also about the competencies, about new technologies that are coming to Kazakhstan, Chinese technologies, and the processing, deprocessing industries that are being developed at the moment. So the development of One Road and One Belt Initiative (the Belt and Road Initiative) where Kazakhstan lies along this route [will be promoted, including] the development of transport and logistics, agro-industry, metallurgy, and many, many other industries," he said.
He also underscored the robust bilateral trade between the two countries and the huge opportunity in Central Asia.
"We see Central Asia as a one unit in general, with the total population of 80 million people, and China sees this also as a big investment opportunity for the region. And if we talk bilaterally, Kazakhstan and China, have 44 billion turnover of trade between two countries, and also China is one of the largest FDI investors in Kazakhstan with the accumulated FDI, foreign direct investment, of more than 26 billion (U.S.) dollars. So it is very important for us, and I think for other Central Asian countries, as well as for China," he said.
All five Central Asian countries have signed BRI cooperation documents with China, and a number of projects designed to boost development and make lives better for the people have been implemented between China and Central Asian countries.
Since the BRI was launched in 2013, Central Asia has been an important partner in the initiative. Last year, trade between China and Central Asian countries hit a record high of 674 billion yuan (about 94 billion U.S. dollars), up by 116 percent compared with that of 2013.
China's cumulative investment in Central Asia has exceeded 30 billion U.S. dollars to date, according to China's Ministry of Commerce on Tuesday.
Kazakh official on significance of multi-billion USD agreements between China, Kazakhstan
Visiting Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi said Saturday China is willing to work with Lesotho to strengthen exchanges on governance experience, enhance coordination in multilateral affairs, and advance the China-Lesotho strategic partnership.
Wang, also a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, made the remarks when meeting with Lesotho Prime Minister Sam Matekane in the capital of Lesotho.
During the meeting, Wang congratulated Lesotho on the 60th anniversary of its independence this year, and spoke highly of Lesotho government's efforts to prioritize economic development and steer the African country onto a path of sustainable growth. Since the Beijing Summit of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC) in 2024, the two sides have advanced cooperation under the 10 partnership action plans unveiled at the summit, successfully implementing a number of key projects to effectively promote Lesotho's development and revitalization, Wang said.
China stands ready to work with Lesotho to strengthen exchanges on governance experience, enhance coordination in multilateral affairs, and push for greater development of the China-Lesotho strategic partnership, he added.
Calling on the two sides to firmly support each other, Wang said that China will accelerate the implementation of its zero-tariff policy for African countries, including Lesotho, expand bilateral trade, investment and industrial cooperation, facilitate broader access of Lesotho's specialty products to the Chinese market, and continue to support Lesotho's national development.
China will continue to stand firmly with African countries, uphold justice for the Global South, including Lesotho, oppose unilateralism and acts of bullying, and work together to build a community with a shared future for humanity, Wang said.
On his part, Matekane said during the meeting that Lesotho cherishes its friendship with China and the strategic partnership between the two countries, and expressed gratitude for China's valuable support for the development of African countries, including Lesotho.
Lesotho firmly adheres to the one-China principle and resolutely supports China in safeguarding its core interests, he said, noting that his country stands ready to strengthen strategic mutual trust with China, expand people-to-people exchanges, jointly implement the outcomes of the FOCAC Beijing Summit, and deepen cooperation in areas such as infrastructure, manufacturing and energy.
Matekane stressed that China's zero-tariff policy for African products will inject new impetus into Lesotho's development. He also expressed Lesotho's willingness to strengthen solidarity and cooperation with China on multilateral platforms such as BRICS to jointly address global challenges.
On the same day, Wang also held talks with Lejone Mpotjoana, minister of foreign affairs and international relations of Lesotho.
China, Lesotho to strengthen exchanges, advance cooperation
China, Lesotho to strengthen exchanges, advance cooperation
