The Astana International Financial Centre (AIFC) and the Shanghai Stock Exchange have held AIFC Connect: Shanghai 2026, bringing together more than 150 representatives of businesses and financial institutions from Kazakhstan and China, DKNews.kz reports.
The business forum focused on expanding investment cooperation, developing cross-border financing opportunities and creating new partnerships through the AIFC platform.
Business leaders discuss deeper financial cooperation
The event was organized with the support of the Consulate General of Kazakhstan in Shanghai, ITS, Freedom Holding Corp., Solidcore Resources and KAZ Minerals.
The business programme opened with remarks by AIFC Governor Renat Bekturov, Kazakhstan’s Consul General in Shanghai Nurlan Akkoshkarov, and representatives of the Shanghai Municipal People’s Government and the Shanghai Stock Exchange.
Speakers highlighted the importance of:
- Expanding investment cooperation
- Integrating Kazakhstan and China's capital markets
- Strengthening bilateral business partnerships
- Supporting cross-border investment projects
AIFC sees growing interest from Chinese investors
AIFC Governor Renat Bekturov said Kazakhstan continues to attract increasing attention from Chinese companies thanks to its strategic location and investment infrastructure.
«We are observing sustained growth in interest from Chinese businesses towards Kazakhstan. This is driven, among other factors, by the country’s role in major international transport and investment initiatives, including the Trans-Caspian International Transport Route and the Belt and Road Initiative. AIFC has successfully established the infrastructure that allows for the structuring of transnational projects. We offer investors unique advantages, including a legal framework based on English common law principles and regulation aligned with global standards.»
According to Kazakhstan's Bureau of National Statistics, around 8,300 Chinese companies are currently operating in Kazakhstan.
Trade reaches record levels
Nurlan Akkoshkarov, Consul General of Kazakhstan in Shanghai, emphasized the strength of bilateral relations.
«Kazakhstan and China are comprehensive strategic partners, united by strong mutual trust and a shared vision for sustainable development. China remains one of Kazakhstan’s largest trading partners, with bilateral trade reaching USD 48.7 billion».
New investment projects and green finance initiatives
The forum featured presentations from representatives of KAZ Minerals Management, Solidcore Eurasia, ITS CSD, the AIFC and the AIFC Green Finance Centre (GFC), covering mining, industrial development, digital solutions and sustainable finance.
A key outcome of the event was the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding between the AIFC Green Finance Centre and the International Green Economy Association (IGEA) to promote joint environmental initiatives.
The AIFC Green Finance Centre also highlighted its role as the Central Asian regional hub for the Green Investment Principles under the Belt and Road Initiative and presented the CASI Academy, which delivers ESG-focused education programmes across Kazakhstan and Central Asia.
Kazakhstan strengthens its position in regional capital markets
During the forum, the AIFC Insights analytical centre presented a report on capital markets in Central Asia and the Caucasus.
According to the report, Kazakhstan has reinforced its position as the region's financial leader, with USD 81 billion in outstanding bonds as of September 2025.
One of the forum's major announcements was the expansion of listing opportunities for yuan-denominated panda bonds on the Astana International Exchange (AIX), where the Shanghai Stock Exchange is one of the shareholders.
Earlier this year, AIX completed Kazakhstan's and Central Asia's first panda bond placement after Samruk-Kazyna JSC issued 3 billion yuan in bonds.
New platforms for mining, carbon markets and aviation
The AIFC also unveiled several new initiatives designed to diversify investment opportunities across key sectors.
These include:
- The region's first investment platform for junior mining companies to support geological exploration
- The AIFC Carbon Platform providing access to international carbon credits and I-REC certificates
- The AIFC Aviation Hub for structuring aircraft leasing and aviation financing transactions
The mining initiative is particularly significant as more than 65 percent of Kazakhstan's territory remains underexplored.
Forum ends with new business opportunities
The event concluded with a series of B2B meetings, where companies and financial institutions from Kazakhstan and China discussed practical cooperation projects and explored new investment opportunities.
Why it matters
Kazakhstan continues to position itself as a financial bridge between Central Asia and China. By expanding access to capital markets, green finance instruments and cross-border investment mechanisms, the AIFC is strengthening the country's role in regional finance while creating new opportunities for international investors and domestic businesses.
