The visit of Chinese President Xi Jinping to Kazakhstan could be historic, with trade between the two countries potentially reaching $100 billion, said Raimbek Batalov, head of the Kazakhstani national part of the Business Council of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) and head of the presidium of the National Chamber of Entrepreneurs of Kazakhstan.
"We are currently observing that large Chinese businesses, which have already gained certain experience on a global scale, are entering [Kazakhstan], and this is very important," Batalov stated.
"We see significant activity from small businesses as well. I am convinced that this state visit can indeed be historic," Batalov said in an interview with Chinese television channel CGTN.
"We have now set the bar to increase trade turnover to $100 billion." "And I believe this is absolutely achievable. But it is achievable with detailed prioritization," Batalov emphasized.
President Xi has already arrived in Astana on a working visit. He was personally greeted at the airport by Kazakh President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev.
The Chinese leader's visit program includes high-level bilateral talks and the signing of several important documents. He will also participate in the 24th meeting of the Council of Heads of State of the SCO in Astana on July 3-4, 2024.
CentralasianLIGHT.org
July 2, 2024