For the first time in its history, Kazakhstan participated with its own national pavilion at the 20th anniversary edition of the Western China International Fair (WCIF), which opened on May 25 in Chengdu, the capital of Sichuan Province. A symbolic highlight of the event was the participation of the Minister of Trade and Integration of the Republic of Kazakhstan, Arman Shakkaliev, in the official opening ceremony. Following the ceremony, the Minister visited the Kazakhstani pavilion and held a series of meetings with representatives of the Chinese side.

“For us, the Western China International Fair is not just an exhibition — it is a strategic platform. We see tremendous potential here for expanding trade ties, promoting Kazakhstani products, and strengthening business dialogue,” the Minister stated in his address to international delegations.

The Kazakhstan pavilion was designed in a modern, practical, and minimalist style, reflecting the country’s sustainability, technological orientation, and openness. The exhibition offered a broad overview of Kazakhstan’s economy — from transport and logistics solutions and financial services to the agro-industrial sector and export goods. Pavilion participants included Kazakhstan Temir Zholy JSC, the Astana International Financial Centre, the National Grain Company, as well as producers of agricultural goods, food products, and digital solutions. Visitors had the opportunity to view products and projects firsthand, and to learn more about partnership and export opportunities.

Special attention during the visit was given to the development of trade and economic ties with Sichuan Province, which is already emerging as a key partner for Kazakhstan in China. At a meeting with Wang Xiaohui, Secretary of the Provincial Party Committee and Chairman of the Standing Committee of the Sichuan Provincial People’s Congress, Minister Shakkaliev expressed gratitude for the warm welcome and noted the dynamic progress in bilateral relations.

“Our cooperation is based on a solid political foundation and consistent support from the leadership of both Kazakhstan and China. We aim to enrich these relations with concrete economic projects and tangible results,” said the Minister.

During the official meeting, the Chinese side praised the current level of cooperation with Kazakhstan and expressed its readiness to deepen ties further.

“Guided by our country’s foreign policy strategy, China–Kazakhstan relations continue to develop steadily toward building a community with a shared future. Kazakhstan is one of our key partners in expanding openness to the outside world, enhancing international competitiveness, and transforming Sichuan into a strategic hub for international cooperation. We are ready to share the opportunities of Sichuan’s modernization, leverage the Western Expo platform to deepen global cooperation, and promote practical collaboration with Kazakhstan and the UAE in areas such as economy and trade, science, education, culture, and tourism. All of this is in line with the high-quality implementation of the Belt and Road Initiative,” stated Wang Xiaohui.

The two sides discussed the launch of new joint projects, the development of green logistics, increasing the capacity of railway corridors, and expanding trade turnover. Chengdu is a key node in China’s railway network and a major land gateway to Europe. Kazakhstan, which plays a strategic role in East–West transit routes, is actively developing infrastructure and working to expand the Middle Corridor transport route.

According to Minister Shakkaliev, more than 80% of China’s overland cargo to Europe transits through Kazakhstan. In 2024, rail freight volumes between the two countries reached record levels, and a third railway corridor is set to be launched soon, increasing capacity to 50 million tons per year.

During his visit, the Minister also held meetings with representatives of leading Chinese companies in the fields of engineering, processing, agriculture, and digital technology.

“Kazakhstan is a reliable partner and an open platform for investment. We provide transparent conditions, protect capital, and actively promote projects with high levels of localization,” the Minister emphasized.

Currently, over 5,000 enterprises with Chinese capital operate in Kazakhstan. The joint Kazakhstan–China investment portfolio includes more than 220 projects, dozens of which have already been implemented. New projects under development span energy, processing, transport, and digital infrastructure. One of the central topics discussed was the promotion of Kazakhstani agricultural products in the Chinese market. Kazakhstan already has approvals to export 29 categories of agricultural goods, including wheat, barley, honey, dairy products, meat, and oilseeds. Work is underway to expand this list by an additional 10 product types.

Particular emphasis is being placed on the supply of environmentally friendly and fresh products such as chilled meat, aquatic biological resources, mare’s milk, eggs, and other goods that meet the preferences of Chinese consumers. Kazakhstan’s participation in the China Western International Fair marked an important step in not only strengthening bilateral cooperation but also in reinforcing the country's position as a reliable partner across the Eurasian space.

“Sichuan Province is our important strategic partner in China. We are committed to long-term and mutually beneficial cooperation. Kazakhstan is open to new projects and constructive dialogue,” concluded Arman Shakkaliev.