The Ministry of Water Resources and Irrigation of Kazakhstan and the Ministry of Water Resources of China have signed a Memorandum of Understanding and Cooperation in the Field of Water Resources for the first time. The signing took place during the 12th Session of the Kazakhstan-China Cooperation Committee in Beijing, co-chaired by Kazakhstan’s First Deputy Prime Minister Roman Sklyar and China’s Deputy Premier Ding Xuexiang.
The agreement was signed by Kazakhstan’s Vice Minister of Water Resources and Irrigation, Nurlan Aldamzharov, and China’s Deputy Minister of Water Resources, Li Liangsheng. It aims to enhance cooperation on the sustainable use of water resources, promote modern technologies, and develop alternative water sources. The document also outlines plans for knowledge exchange and joint training programs for water management specialists.
Minister of Water Resources and Irrigation of Kazakhstan, Nurzhan Nurzhigitov, highlighted the significance of the agreement, noting that discussions for the memorandum began during a visit to China last year.
“Cooperation in water resources will contribute to their more efficient use, the introduction of advanced technologies for water accounting and conservation, and the improvement of the qualifications of water industry specialists,” he stated.
Kazakhstan’s trade turnover with China grew by 9%, reaching $43.8bn by the end of 2024. Both countries aim to double trade volumes, aligning with goals set by their leaders.
China remains one of Kazakhstan’s top five investors, having completed 62 projects worth $8.7bn, creating 11,000 jobs. An additional 55 projects valued at $13.5bn are in progress, expected to generate 17,400 more jobs. The total investment portfolio surpasses $60.5bn.
