As Chinese President Xi Jinping concludes his visit to Astana for the second China-Central Asia Summit, residents across Kazakhstan are voicing enthusiasm for deepening regional cooperation. The three-day summit, attended by leaders from five Central Asian nations, has sparked conversations about tangible benefits emerging from cross-border collaboration.
"The agricultural agreements signed during President Xi's visit will create jobs in our rural areas," said Arman, a 34-year-old agricultural technician from southern Kazakhstan, reflecting a common sentiment among interviewees. This perspective aligns with recent data showing a 22% year-on-year increase in China-Kazakhstan agricultural trade since 2022.
Urban residents point to visible changes: Chinese electric vehicles now account for 15% of new car sales in Almaty, while joint ventures in manufacturing and logistics have created over 5,000 local jobs since 2023. "Our partnership goes beyond trade," noted Aisulu, a university lecturer in Nur-Sultan. "The new Confucius Institute branches are helping bridge cultural understanding through language programs."
Infrastructure developments feature prominently in public discourse, with the Khorgos Gateway dry port handling 30% of China-Europe rail freight. As cross-border e-commerce platforms gain popularity, small business owners report 40% faster customs clearance times compared to 2021 figures.
While challenges remain in balancing economic priorities, the prevailing mood suggests cautious optimism. As summit delegates finalize agreements on green energy and digital connectivity, many Kazakh residents see these initiatives as keys to sustainable development in Central Asia's evolving economic landscape.
