Kazakh companies have signed agreements worth approximately $100 million on the opening day of the 9th China International Import Expo (CIIE) in Shanghai. Around 40 domestic producers are showcasing their products at Kazakhstan's national pavilion as the country seeks to expand exports to China, according to information from the Ministry of Trade and Integration of Kazakhstan.
Minister Arman Shakkaliev is attending the exhibition, which runs from November 5 to 10, 2026. His visit includes participation in the Hongqiao International Economic Forum and negotiations with Chinese and Hong Kong business representatives on investment, industrial cooperation and logistics infrastructure, DKNews.kz reports.
The agreements signed on the first day indicate commercial interest in Kazakh products. However, their announced value represents agreements reached at the exhibition, not revenue already generated from completed export deliveries.
40 Kazakh producers enter the spotlight in Shanghai
The China International Import Expo is one of the world's major international trade exhibitions, bringing together thousands of companies and providing foreign producers with direct access to Chinese buyers, distributors and retail networks.
Kazakhstan's national pavilion features around 40 companies representing several segments of the food industry.
Products on display include:
- Vegetable oils and other oil-and-fat products.
- Flour and grain-processing products.
- Confectionery and packaged foods.
- Dairy products.
- Beverages and other Kazakhstan-made goods.
The exhibition offers producers an opportunity to negotiate directly with potential importers and establish long-term supply relationships.
For Kazakhstan, participation is part of a broader effort to increase exports of processed products and diversify the country's sales beyond traditional raw materials.
Kazakhstan–China trade reaches $43.3 billion in nine months
Trade between Kazakhstan and China continues to expand.
According to figures presented during the visit, bilateral trade reached $48.7 billion in 2025, an increase of 11% compared with the previous year.
During January–September 2026, trade turnover amounted to $43.3 billion, up 21.9% from the corresponding period of 2025.
The nine-month figure is already equivalent to nearly 89% of the full-year trade volume recorded in 2025, although the two periods should not be treated as directly comparable annual results.
The growth reflects the expanding economic relationship between the two countries, covering industrial goods, agricultural products, raw materials, equipment and other categories.
China's market is particularly important for Kazakhstan's efforts to develop non-resource exports and strengthen domestic processing industries.
Hong Kong and Kazakhstan discuss a new logistics partnership
Alongside export promotion, Shakkaliev held talks with the Chief Executive of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region of China.
The discussions focused on the Hub-to-Hub initiative, which envisages developing interconnected trade and logistics centers to facilitate international commerce.
Both sides explored opportunities to use Kazakhstan's transit potential and Hong Kong's established commercial networks to improve connections between Asian and international markets.
Key areas included transport corridors, logistics facilities, distribution infrastructure and mechanisms to help companies reach new customers.
For Kazakhstan, such cooperation could strengthen its position as a transport and distribution hub linking China, Central Asia and markets farther west.
The discussions outlined possible areas of cooperation, but no specific completed infrastructure projects or binding investment amounts were announced in the provided information.
Chinese investors consider robotics and high-tech manufacturing
Shakkaliev also met with representatives of Chinese businesses to discuss potential investment projects in Kazakhstan.
The negotiations covered the localization of high-tech manufacturing, development of robotics, construction of modern transport and logistics complexes, and expansion of warehouse and distribution infrastructure.
Investment in commercial real estate was another area under consideration.
The proposed projects are intended to improve goods movement, reduce logistics costs and create additional opportunities for industrial cooperation.
Localizing production could also help Kazakhstan develop manufacturing capabilities and integrate domestic enterprises into regional supply chains.
However, these opportunities remain at the discussion stage unless followed by specific investment agreements and implementation schedules.
Why logistics matters as much as export contracts
Expanding exports to China requires more than finding buyers.
For Kazakh producers, transport costs, delivery times, warehousing capacity and access to distribution networks can influence whether a product is competitive in the Chinese market.
Modern logistics centers and distribution facilities can help businesses consolidate shipments, manage inventories and improve delivery reliability.
These capabilities are particularly important for food producers, whose products may require specialized storage conditions and efficient transportation.
By combining export promotion with investment in logistics infrastructure, Kazakhstan aims to address both market access and the practical challenges of delivering goods to customers.
Kazakhstan seeks stronger industrial cooperation with China
During the meetings, Shakkaliev emphasized Kazakhstan's interest in attracting Chinese investment, introducing modern technologies and establishing joint manufacturing facilities.
The Government views industrial cooperation as a way to expand production capacity, increase exports and strengthen economic ties with China.
Potential projects involving robotics, technology localization and logistics infrastructure could contribute to these objectives if they proceed to implementation.
For domestic companies, partnerships with Chinese manufacturers may provide access to equipment, technical expertise and established international supply networks.
At the same time, the economic benefits will depend on investment conditions, local participation and the commercial viability of individual projects.
What the $100 million agreements mean for Kazakhstan
The agreements announced on the first day of CIIE 2026 provide an early indication of demand for Kazakhstan-made products in the Chinese market.
For participating producers, the exhibition offers a platform to establish new business relationships and potentially expand export volumes.
The broader negotiations on logistics and manufacturing show that Kazakhstan is pursuing two connected objectives: selling more domestic products abroad and attracting investment into the infrastructure needed to support those sales.
The results will become clearer as export agreements are implemented and proposed investment projects move beyond preliminary discussions.
The 9th China International Import Expo continues in Shanghai until November 10, providing further opportunities for Kazakh companies to meet buyers and develop commercial partnerships.
Earlier, we reported on China's priorities for economic cooperation with Kazakhstan, including the expansion of agricultural exports, development of the Middle Corridor and new opportunities for industrial investment. The Shanghai exhibition provides another platform for advancing these areas of cooperation.
