Kazakhstan Secures $23 Bn from China in H1 2025
Chinese companies have significantly expanded their overseas presence in 2025, signing 176 new investment and construction contracts totaling $124 bn between January and June. This figure already surpasses the $122 bn recorded throughout the entire previous year, according to a joint report by Griffith University (Australia) and the Beijing Green Finance and Development Centre.
«The scale of China’s engagement this year is remarkable, especially in light of the steady post-pandemic recovery,» said report author Dr Christoph Nedopil. «What sets 2025 apart is the number of mega-deals signed simultaneously—each exceeding $10 bn.»
Nedopil noted that China’s slowing domestic economic growth and rising global trade tensions have prompted firms to expand more aggressively into international markets. Meanwhile, partner countries view participation in Chinese-led initiatives as a way to strengthen economic ties amid shifting global dynamics.
The report highlights the energy sector as the primary focus of China’s investments in 2025. Africa received the largest share at $39 bn, followed closely by Central Asia with $25 bn.
Kazakhstan leads regional investment race
Kazakhstan emerged as the top investment destination among countries involved in China’s international initiatives, securing $23 bn in just the first six months of 2025. In contrast, Latin America registered the lowest volume of contracts and investments in a decade.
Earlier this year, it was reported that Kazakhstan and China were preparing to sign nearly 60 agreements valued at close to $25 bn, reflecting deepening economic cooperation between the two nations.
Kursiv also reports that the first freight train from Hubei Province to follow the China–Kyrgyzstan–Uzbekistan multimodal route set off from Wuhan.
