Kazakhstan has used a high-level visit by Hong Kong Chief Executive John Lee to promote itself as a gateway to Central Asia, offering investors access to industrial projects worth more than $100 billion and a growing regional market.
Kazakhstan is seeking to deepen economic ties with Hong Kong by positioning itself as an entry point to Central Asia for investors looking beyond mainland China. During talks in Astana, officials highlighted opportunities in manufacturing, natural resources and financial cooperation, while presenting Kazakhstan as a regional base for long-term investment.
The discussions took place during a visit by Lee, who travelled to Kazakhstan with a delegation organised by the Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC). Kazakh officials described the trip as the first visit to the country by a Hong Kong chief executive.
Talks between Kazakhstan's Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of National Economy, Serik Zhumangarin, and Lee focused on sectors where Astana sees strong investment potential. These included agribusiness, deep processing of agricultural raw materials and natural resources, petrochemicals, coal chemistry, mineral fertilisers and pesticides, as well as the production of finished goods from non-ferrous metals.
According to the Kazakh government, projects under consideration are valued at more than $100 billion.
The scale of the delegation reflected the economic focus of the visit. More than 70 representatives from major companies and financial institutions from 17 Chinese provinces and regions took part in meetings centred on investment partnerships and joint projects.
Financial cooperation emerged as another key theme. Kazakhstan said it was prepared to attract capital through debt instruments on Chinese and Hong Kong markets, including financing in Chinese yuan, while also exploring the creation of joint investment funds.
Officials also raised the possibility of Kazakh companies listing on the Hong Kong Stock Exchange.
Kazakhstan's national investment holding company, Baiterek, is expected to support future projects. The government said the institution can provide between $15 billion and $20 billion in investment financing annually and, where needed, participate as a co-investor with stakes of up to 49%.
Economic ties between Kazakhstan and Hong Kong remain relatively limited but are expanding. Bilateral trade reached $180 million in 2025, up nearly 40% from $130 million a year earlier.
Over the past two decades, Kazakhstan has attracted more than $445 billion in foreign direct investment, including around $30 billion from China. Investment from Hong Kong into Kazakhstan has reached almost $740 million.
The visit concluded with the signing of four intergovernmental memorandums and 42 commercial agreements.
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