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How China Is Aiding Kazakh Efforts to Become Hyper Modern

As Kazakhstan pushes forward to become a leading tech hub in the region, China continues to prove itself a crucial partner.

Kazakh President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev speaks at the opening of the 2026 World Artificial Intelligence Conference in Shanghai, China, July 17, 2026..

On July 17, Kazakh President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev concluded a trip to Shanghai, China, by speaking at the opening of the 2026 World Artificial Intelligence Conference. While restating Kazakhstan’s efforts to become a regional hub for digital trade and international cooperation, Tokayev also praised China for its advancements in the field during his 16-minute speech.

The day before, the Kazakh president had already expressed his desire to deepen cooperation between the two countries in the field of technology. This was underscored by the signing of deals worth more than $15 billion covering digital infrastructure, transport, and the security sector.

Tokayev’s trip comes amid what the Kazakh government has coined the Year of Digitalization and AI, with energy and resources being directed toward the development of a digital state. His talks with industry-leading companies in Shanghai on July 16 also made it clear that China played a defining role in Kazakhstan’s development.

Even before the conference, China played a visible part in Kazakhstan’s digital strategy, both by sharing relevant knowledge and by integrating Chinese hardware to propel Kazakhstan’s hypermodern ambitions. For example, the Chinese firm Huawei is the provider of several parts of Kazakhstan’s critical infrastructure.

Tokayev’s Shanghai visit was preceded by a trip by Kazakh Foreign Minister Yermek Kosherbayev to Beijing on July 13, where he met with his Chinese counterpart, Wang Yi. There, Wang expressed optimism about the upcoming meeting.

“The two heads of state will conduct in-depth strategic communication, injecting new impetus into the development of bilateral relations,” the Chinese foreign minister stated.

Simultaneously, Kosherbayev showed great interest in maintaining close relations between the two countries, asserting that Kazakhstan always prioritizes cooperation with China.

In his Shanghai speech, Tokayev further emphasized the scale of Sino-Kazakh economic relations: “Last year, bilateral trade volume reached $49 billion. This is a record high. China has invested over $30 billion in Kazakhstan’s economy,” the president said during the roundtable with heads of several Chinese high-tech companies.

The speech was........

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