A joint initiative between Kozybayev University and the Henan Agricultural Investment Group to establish a Kazakh-Chinese Agricultural Research Centre is set to drive the development of the agricultural sector in North Kazakhstan, where farming plays a pivotal role in the regional economy. The project entails strategic investments in the agricultural industry, modern infrastructure, technology transfer, and professional training. As one of China’s largest agricultural investment firms, the Henan Group offers comprehensive solutions across the entire agribusiness value chain, from production to processing and marketing.

This partnership follows a memorandum of cooperation signed last November during a North Kazakhstan Region delegation's visit to the People's Republic of China. This week, the Chinese delegation arrived in Kazakhstan for a reciprocal visit to finalize the implementation steps.

President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev has previously emphasized the necessity of advancing the agro-industrial complex (AIC), setting key objectives to enhance industrial efficiency and national food security. In alignment with these directives, the scientific and agricultural communities of the northern region are tasked with attracting investment and optimizing AIC performance.

The newly established research center will focus on research and demonstration projects with high commercialization potential, specifically in:

• Crop Breeding: Selection of grains, oilseeds, legumes, and forage grasses.

• Climate Adaptation: Adjusting agricultural practices to mitigate climate change impacts.

• Digitalization & AI: Utilizing Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) for crop monitoring, soil fertility analysis, and yield forecasting.

• Sustainable Production: Ensuring consistent fodder production and advanced agricultural processing.

The Akimat (regional administration) of the North Kazakhstan Region has already allocated a 30-hectare experimental plot for these purposes. The project will leverage Kozybayev University’s existing laboratory facilities and involve both faculty and students. The Henan Agricultural Investment Group is contributing capital, machinery, and expert research potential. Additionally, the group has provided seed material and plans to construct modern dormitories and specialized laboratories.

During the visit, the Chinese partners met with local executive authorities and agricultural producers, inspected the university’s laboratory equipment, and toured regional agribusiness enterprises.

"It is an honor to host representatives from one of China’s key investment entities—a strategic partner for both Kazakhstan and our university in the fields of education, science, and agricultural technology. Our shared goal is to build an efficient model where science, production, and investment operate as a single ecosystem," stated Yerbol Issakayev, Chairman of the Board and Rector of Kozybayev University. "The project involves the creation of experimental fields and state-of-the-art infrastructure. We anticipate that this will establish a sustainable, export-oriented agricultural platform and expand seed production areas to 1,000 hectares. We view this cooperation as a long-term strategic partnership that will significantly benefit the region's agro-industrial complex and strengthen Kazakh-Chinese relations."