Kazakhstan, China sign agreements worth $15 bln during Beijing business forum

ASTANA. Sept 2 (Interfax) - Kazakhstan and China signed more than 70 commercial agreements totaling over $15 billion during the 8th Kazakhstan-China Business Council in Beijing, the Kazakh sovereign wealth fund Samruk-Kazyna said.

The agreements include a strategic partnership with the Export-Import Bank of China to finance the construction of the Bakhty-Ayagoz railway line and supplies of locomotives. Other major deals cover energy and logistics cooperation with China Communications Construction Company and international geological exploration partnerships with CNOOC International.

Additional agreements involve joint IT and artificial intelligence development with China's Shenzhen Institute of Computing Sciences, and railway logistics park development with Sichuan Port and Shipping Investment Group. The Export-Import Bank of China will also provide financing support for Kazakhstan's acquisition of cargo ships.

Additionally, Kazakhstan and Anton Oilfield Services agreed to conduct joint research and development and establish a center of excellence for the oil and gas industry.