In his opening remarks, the Head of State stressed that over 27 years, Kazakhstan and China have established exemplary relations, strengthened comprehensive strategic partnership, the basis of which is a constant trusting dialogue at the highest level. Kassym-Jomart Tokayev particularly noted the friendly relations of the First President of Kazakhstan – Elbasy Nursultan Nazarbayev and Chinese President Xi Jinping, who have made a great contribution to the strengthening of bilateral ties.
At the same time, the President believes that the Kazakh-Chinese cooperation in the economic sphere has great prospects. Having outlined the key priorities of the bilateral partnership, the Head of State focused on the new challenges facing the business communities of the two countries.
According to the President, priority should be given to deepening innovation and scientific and technical cooperation. He reaffirmed the Kazakhstan’s interest in the implementation of joint projects with China in this dimension.
In addition, Kassym-Jomart Tokayev stressed that Kazakhstan has ample opportunities to attract Chinese tourists to the country, actively developing mutual business and recreational tourism. In this regard, the Head of State urged the Chinese business community to create tourist centres in Kazakhstan that meet the Chinese “5A” standards.
Kassym-Jomart Tokayev also spoke about the great prospects that open the Kazakh-Chinese cooperation in the financial sector. Mentioning the important role of the Astana International Financial Centre (AIFC) in this process, the President announced plans to establish RMB Connect mechanism on the basis of AIFC.
“RMB Connect will allow investing in yuan. I am sure that the new ecosystem will make a significant contribution to the spread of the Chinese yuan in the world and will become a new settlement and clearing centre for the Kazakh enterprises and the region for operations in yuan,” the Head of State believes.
Concluding his speech, Kassym-Jomart Tokayev noted that in current conditions, cooperation in the format of “Government for business” is one of the most effective tools to enhance business cooperation.
According to the President, this meeting will be a concrete step towards deepening the trade and economic partnership between Kazakhstan and China.
Representatives of major Chinese companies also spoke at the event, including Lu Yimin, CEO of China General Technology (Group) Holding Co, Ltd, Ning Yun, Vice-President of the Export-import Bank of China, Zhang Shili, Chairman of the Board of the China-Eurasian Economic Cooperation Fund, Yong Qing Wang, Chairman of the Supervisory Board of China Construction Bank, Luang Zhicheng, Vice-President of COFCO Group, Jin An, Chairman of Anhui Jianghuai Automobile Group Co Ltd, and many others.
