On June 16, the Second Forum on Industrial and Investment Cooperation between China and Central Asia was held in Astana, coinciding with the Second Summit of Heads of State of Central Asia and China. The forum served as a neutral platform for dialogue aimed at strengthening economic cooperation between the region and China, attracting investment, and fostering direct business ties between companies from Central Asia and the PRC, DKnews.kz reports.
During the forum, Huawei Technologies Kazakhstan and the Samruk-Kazyna National Welfare Fund signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) that lays the foundation for strategic cooperation in the field of digital transformation and telecommunications infrastructure development in Kazakhstan.
The agreement focuses on the implementation of advanced information and communication technologies (ICT), including 5G networks, smart city solutions, artificial intelligence (AI), cloud platforms, and energy-efficient digital systems. The joint projects are expected to enhance citizens’ quality of life and support the development of key sectors of Kazakhstan’s economy such as energy, transport, and healthcare.
Nurlan Zhakupov, Chairman of the Management Board of Samruk-Kazyna, stated:
“Cooperating with Huawei will enable us to accelerate the rollout of digital solutions across the Fund’s portfolio companies. I am confident that this document represents an important step toward achieving Kazakhstan’s ambitious goals for digital transformation” Nurlan Zhakupov, Chairman of the Management Board of Samruk-Kazyna
The MoU outlines several key areas of collaboration:
- Development and implementation of digital platforms and cloud-based solutions
- Expansion of 5G networks and smart cities to improve quality of life
- Support for startups and innovative projects through accelerator programs and IT laboratories
- Educational initiatives focused on digital skill development
Sun Yaxu, CEO of Huawei Technologies Kazakhstan, emphasized the strategic importance of the agreement:
“This Memorandum of Understanding with Samruk-Kazyna is a significant step in furthering Kazakhstan’s digital economy. Huawei is proud to contribute to the advancement of key sectors such as energy, transport, and healthcare through cutting-edge technologies, including 5G, AI, and cloud solutions. We believe this partnership will help build a more sustainable and innovative digital infrastructure for Kazakhstan” Sun Yaxu, CEO of Huawei Technologies Kazakhstan
In addition, both parties agreed to cooperate in sharing expertise, transferring technologies, and adopting international best practices in the field of digital transformation in Kazakhstan.
The memorandum takes effect immediately upon signing and will remain in force for two years. Both parties expressed their intent to continue expanding the scope of their cooperation in the future.
