Kazakhstan and China are steadily expanding their partnership beyond the national level, placing growing emphasis on cooperation between regions. A recent working visit by Kazakhstan’s Consul General in Shanghai, Nurlan Akkoshkarov, to Nanjing - the capital of China’s Jiangsu Province - became another clear signal of this trend, DKNews.kz reports.
The visit focused on deepening trade, investment, logistics and humanitarian ties between the regions of Kazakhstan and one of China’s most economically powerful provinces.
Regional dialogue gains momentum
During the visit, Nurlan Akkoshkarov held meetings with the Mayor of Nanjing, Li Zhongjun, and the Deputy Head of the Foreign Affairs Office of the Jiangsu Provincial People’s Government, Jin Shangjun. The discussions centered on the current state and future prospects of bilateral cooperation between Kazakhstan’s regions and Jiangsu Province.
The sides reviewed opportunities for expanding trade and investment links, developing transport and logistics routes, and strengthening cultural and humanitarian exchanges. Particular emphasis was placed on the practical value of regional-level cooperation as a driver of broader Kazakhstan-China relations.
Kazakhstan’s reforms explained to Chinese partners
An important part of the talks focused on Kazakhstan’s domestic political transformation. The Consul General briefed the Chinese side on the reforms proposed by President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev at the 5th Session of the National Kurultai, held on January 20, 2026, in Kyzylorda.
He outlined the main objectives of the constitutional amendments, including the reorganization of Parliament, the establishment of a new nationwide dialogue platform - the People’s Council of Kazakhstan - and the introduction of the institution of the Vice President. It was also emphasized that the final decision on adopting the new Constitution will be made following the results of an upcoming nationwide referendum.
The Chinese side expressed understanding of the importance of these political reforms, noting their role in ensuring regional stability and sustainable development amid ongoing geopolitical turbulence.
Expanding cooperation with provincial departments
As part of the working visit, meetings were also held with the heads of the Jiangsu Provincial Departments of Commerce, Public Security and Education. These discussions aimed to broaden practical cooperation in areas such as trade facilitation, public safety cooperation, education and academic exchanges.
Such contacts reflect growing interest in moving from dialogue to concrete mechanisms of cooperation at the institutional level.
Why Jiangsu matters
Jiangsu Province is one of China’s most dynamic economic regions. In 2025, its gross regional product reached USD 2.03 trillion, ranking second among all Chinese provinces.
Economic ties between Kazakhstan and Jiangsu continue to show steady growth. Mutual trade turnover amounted to USD 2.94 billion, reflecting an increase of 1.7 percent. These figures underline Jiangsu’s importance as a key regional partner for Kazakhstan within China.
Why this visit is important
The Nanjing talks highlighted the growing role of regional cooperation in Kazakhstan-China relations. By strengthening direct links with economically advanced provinces such as Jiangsu, Kazakhstan is positioning itself to attract investment, integrate into major logistics and production chains, and expand trade opportunities.
Such regional engagement adds substance to the strategic partnership between the two countries and demonstrates a pragmatic approach focused on long-term economic and developmental benefits for both sides.
