In a landmark development for Central Asian trade, Kazakhstan has witnessed a significant increase in grain exports to China, with volumes reaching unprecedented levels. At the inaugural Kazakh-Chinese grain forum held in China last week, it was revealed that cargo transportation between the two countries surged by 22% in 2023, compared to the previous year. The total volume has now exceeded 28 million tons, marking a notable milestone in their bilateral trade relations.
Kazakhstan's exports alone have seen a remarkable growth, totaling 12.6 million tons — a 35% increase over 2022. This substantial rise underscores the strengthening trade ties and the robust demand for Kazakh agricultural products in China.
During the forum, the Kazakh delegation visited China’s newly established terminal in the bonded zone of the Alashankou station, designed for the efficient unloading of grain and vegetable oils. This visit facilitated discussions on transportation logistics and enhancing the throughput capacity for Kazakh agricultural exports. Both nations reached significant agreements aimed at streamlining these processes, signaling a promising future for their trade partnership.
Nurzhan Kelbuganov, Deputy Chairman of the Committee of Railway and Water Transport at Kazakhstan’s Ministry of Transport, highlighted the positive impact of these developments. “Currently, the primary crops Kazakhstan supplies to China are barley and wheat. In 2023, post-pandemic conditions enabled the resumption of transportation to China, leading to a dramatic 2.5-fold increase in our grain exports. In 2021, we exported approximately 347 thousand tons to China, this rose to 747 thousand tons in 2022, and surged to over 2.2 million tons in 2023.”
The significant increase in grain exports is a testament to Kazakhstan’s growing role as a key agricultural supplier in the region and the strengthening economic ties with China. As both countries continue to enhance their infrastructure and streamline trade operations, these numbers are poised to rise even further.
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