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Kazakhstan

The latest news, analysis and opinion on Kazakhstan. In-depth analysis, industry insights and expert opinion.

Capital

Astana

Head of State

President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev

Head of Government

Prime Minister Olzhas Bektenov

Central Asia

Opinion | In today’s ‘great game’, Central Asian nations are no longer prizes to be won

Instead of being caught between great powers, the five Central Asian nations are using hegemonic rivalries to advance their own interests.

4 hours ago

China trade

China opens new Central Asia rail link to strengthen supply chain resilience

29 Jun 2026 - 10:05PM

China trade

China cuts through Russia, Mideast instability with alternate cargo route

29 Jun 2026 - 3:40PM

China-India relations

Exclusive | US assures India over AI ‘kill switch’ as ‘Pax Silica’ expands to counter China

New Delhi says Washington pledged AI access would continue after Anthropic restrictions as the US-led initiative adds new members.

26 Jun 2026 - 4:20AMvideocam

The Pax Silica summit in Washington brought together countries seeking to strengthen AI supply chains. Photo: Handout

Belt and Road Initiative

China, Kazakhstan target deeper ties in minerals and energy at ‘Summer Davos’

At the high-profile forum, Beijing expressed its willingness to work with Astana on deepening cooperation in energy and mineral resources.

25 Jun 2026 - 4:39PMvideocam

US, Israel war on Iran

China urged to boost navy escorts and find other routes to secure energy supply

Closure of Strait of Hormuz has exposed fragility of maritime chokepoints and more should be done to protect shipments, analysts say.

18 Jun 2026 - 2:00PM

Hong Kong economy

Editorial | Trade promotion body’s role evolving with Hong Kong’s economy

As the Trade Development Council marks its 60th anniversary, its remit now reflects closer ties with the mainland and changes in the global economy.

18 Jun 2026 - 6:45AM

Frederick Ma, chairman of Hong Kong Trade Development Council, gives a speech at a reception marking the council’s 60th anniversary on June 16. Photo: Sun Yeung

Hong Kong economy

Hong Kong must remain outward-looking to thrive: past and present TDC leaders

Former and current Trade Development Council leaders stress importance of free flow of goods, people and capital.

16 Jun 2026 - 10:49PM

Hong Kong economy

Publisher's Pen | Hong Kong’s media must go global amid tech disruption, economic uncertainty

Deals signed during city leader’s Central Asian trip have opened new doors for industry, but it’s up to companies to boldly step through them.

15 Jun 2026 - 1:58PM

Hong Kong economy

HKEX, Kazakhstan’s AIFC explore dual listings with miners after landmark debut

Head of Astana’s special financial zone says deals signed with Hong Kong during John Lee’s visit mark ‘important milestone’ for cooperation.

15 Jun 2026 - 7:00AM

The Astana International Financial Centre is a special zine in Kazakhstan that uses common lew. Photo: AIFC

Diplomacy

Outside In | Central Asia is finally coming into its own

The region’s five countries, inadvertent beneficiaries of Chinese infrastructure investment, then wars and tariffs elsewhere, are finding their feet.

13 Jun 2026 - 6:50AM

Hong Kong Chief Executive John Lee (second left) visits the Centre for Islamic Civilisation in Tashkent, Uzbekistan, on June 5. Photo: Handout

China travel

Panda and pet services: China plans over 160 tourist trains to boost consumption

Beijing eyes themed journeys and new on-board services as part of broader efforts to rebalance the economy.

11 Jun 2026 - 6:36PM

Hong Kong economy

Hong Kong firms sign 6 deals to support Kazakhstan’s new hi-tech, economic hub

‘We are well positioned to help Kazakhstan fund high-potential infrastructure and innovation projects. We speak the language of global finance,’ John Lee says.

11 Jun 2026 - 10:23PM

Hong Kong economy

Kazakhstan bank turns to Hong Kong as gateway to offshore renminbi finance

Chinese-backed Altyn Bank says Kazakh investors are turning to Hong Kong dim sum bonds to raise long-term capital for regional infrastructure.

11 Jun 2026 - 8:30AM

Hong Kong is the world’s largest offshore renminbi liquidity hub. Photo: Photo: AFP

Hong Kong economy

Opinion | Hong Kong unleashes new growth engine through landmark Central Asia mission

The deals signed during the chief executive’s trip to Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan underscore the potential economic synergy that can be unleashed.

9 Jun 2026 - 8:26AM

Hong Kong Chief Executive John Lee Ka-chiu on a tour of the Nazarbayev University campus in Astana, Kazakhstan, on June 3. Photo: ISD

Hong Kong economy

Opinion | Why Hong Kong and Kazakhstan are drawing closer

As Kazakhstan seeks to diversify its financial partnerships and deepen engagement with China, Hong Kong’s offerings stand out.

9 Jun 2026 - 4:08AM

Banking & finance

Panda bond boom: why China is seeing a rush of global borrowers

Beijing’s looser monetary policy, a wider bond market opening and expanding yuan internationalisation are helping drive the trend, analysts say.

8 Jun 2026 - 5:24PM

US, Israel war on Iran

‘Immediately stop shooting’: Trump urges Iran and Israel amid tit-for-tat strikes

Fragile April ceasefire collapses as direct tit-for-tat strikes resume on day 100 of the US-Israel war against Iran.

8 Jun 2026 - 7:13PM

Iranians attend a rally in Tehran after Iran’s attack on Israel on Sunday. Photo: EPA

Hong Kong economy

Central Asia tipped to be Hong Kong’s next logistics hub: Airport Authority head

Chairman Fred Lam says flight disruptions in Middle East and Russia make region viable hub connecting Asia and Europe.

8 Jun 2026 - 12:43AM

Hong Kong economy

Editorial | Central Asia visit has cemented Hong Kong’s position as a superconnector

Beyond the value of the deals, the mission’s success can also be measured through the matching of interests between HK and mainland firms and their Kazakh and Uzbek counterparts.

7 Jun 2026 - 7:15AM

Hong Kong economy

96 deals signed, flights planned: what’s next for Hong Kong and Central Asia?

Observers say real challenge lies ahead as government and business stakeholders follow up to realise gains.

6 Jun 2026 - 9:38PM

Chief Executive John Lee (pointing) tours Nazarbayev University in Astana, Kazakhstan. Photo: Handout

Hong Kong economy

Hong Kong ideal platform for Uzbek firms to spread wings globally, John Lee says

City leader invites Uzbek Prime Minister Abdulla Aripov to be keynote speaker at coming Belt and Road Summit to be held in Hong Kong in September.

5 Jun 2026 - 10:59PM

Chief Executive John Lee (second left) visits the Islamic Civilization Center in Tashkent to learn about local efforts in cultural preservation, academic research and education promotion. Photo: ISD

China-Russia relations

Chinese military team inspects Russia bases as Putin hails ‘natural allies’

Two-day inspection trip this week was part of routine verification exercise under 1996 and 1997 border agreements, Tass reports.

5 Jun 2026 - 6:59PMvideocam

Hong Kong economy

Hong Kong signs 96 agreements with Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan worth US$1.65 billion

City leader John Lee hails Central Asia visit as setting stage for closer government and business ties with region.

4 Jun 2026 - 11:21PM

Hong Kong economy

Direct Hong Kong-Almaty flights ‘will save travellers 10 hours, draw tourists’

Lawmakers say new route set to be launched next year will strengthen business ties and bring tourists to Hong Kong shores, with visa-free access under discussion.

4 Jun 2026 - 7:14PM

Cathay Pacific will launch direct flights to Almaty in the first quarter of next year. Photo: May Tse

Hong Kong economy

Direct flights between Hong Kong and Uzbekistan to launch this year, sources say

Direct flights between Hong Kong and Tashkent to start as talks begin on reciprocal 30-day visa-free stay agreement to boost trade, tourism and regional ties.

4 Jun 2026 - 7:38PM

Hong Kong Chief Executive John Lee alongside Uzbekistan’s Foreign Affairs Minister, Bakhtiyor Saidov. Photo: Handout

Hong Kong economy

Editorial | Kazakhstan partnerships redefine Hong Kong’s strategic role in Central Asia

Chief Executive John Lee’s trip has delivered concrete results that will enhance business and economic ties and boost tourism.

4 Jun 2026 - 7:15AM

Education in Hong Kong

Universities in Hong Kong and Kazakhstan deepen ties during Lee’s visit

Education University of Hong Kong and Polytechnic University sign agreements with Nazarbayev University on research and other areas.

4 Jun 2026 - 11:46AM

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Kazakhstan

.css-1pcrwvc{color:#2aa191;}Opinion | In today’s ‘great game’, Central Asian nations are no longer prizes to be won

Instead of being caught between great powers, the five Central Asian nations are using hegemonic rivalries to advance their own interests.

China opens new Central Asia rail link to strengthen supply chain resilience

China cuts through Russia, Mideast instability with alternate cargo route

.css-1f6sr3w{color:#727272;}Exclusive | US assures India over AI ‘kill switch’ as ‘Pax Silica’ expands to counter China

New Delhi says Washington pledged AI access would continue after Anthropic restrictions as the US-led initiative adds new members.

China, Kazakhstan target deeper ties in minerals and energy at ‘Summer Davos’

At the high-profile forum, Beijing expressed its willingness to work with Astana on deepening cooperation in energy and mineral resources.

China urged to boost navy escorts and find other routes to secure energy supply

Closure of Strait of Hormuz has exposed fragility of maritime chokepoints and more should be done to protect shipments, analysts say.

Editorial | Trade promotion body’s role evolving with Hong Kong’s economy

As the Trade Development Council marks its 60th anniversary, its remit now reflects closer ties with the mainland and changes in the global economy.

Hong Kong must remain outward-looking to thrive: past and present TDC leaders

Former and current Trade Development Council leaders stress importance of free flow of goods, people and capital.

Publisher's Pen | Hong Kong’s media must go global amid tech disruption, economic uncertainty

Deals signed during city leader’s Central Asian trip have opened new doors for industry, but it’s up to companies to boldly step through them.

HKEX, Kazakhstan’s AIFC explore dual listings with miners after landmark debut

Head of Astana’s special financial zone says deals signed with Hong Kong during John Lee’s visit mark ‘important milestone’ for cooperation.

Outside In | Central Asia is finally coming into its own

The region’s five countries, inadvertent beneficiaries of Chinese infrastructure investment, then wars and tariffs elsewhere, are finding their feet.

Panda and pet services: China plans over 160 tourist trains to boost consumption

Beijing eyes themed journeys and new on-board services as part of broader efforts to rebalance the economy.

Hong Kong firms sign 6 deals to support Kazakhstan’s new hi-tech, economic hub

‘We are well positioned to help Kazakhstan fund high-potential infrastructure and innovation projects. We speak the language of global finance,’ John Lee says.

Kazakhstan bank turns to Hong Kong as gateway to offshore renminbi finance

Chinese-backed Altyn Bank says Kazakh investors are turning to Hong Kong dim sum bonds to raise long-term capital for regional infrastructure.

Opinion | Hong Kong unleashes new growth engine through landmark Central Asia mission

The deals signed during the chief executive’s trip to Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan underscore the potential economic synergy that can be unleashed.

Opinion | Why Hong Kong and Kazakhstan are drawing closer

As Kazakhstan seeks to diversify its financial partnerships and deepen engagement with China, Hong Kong’s offerings stand out.

Panda bond boom: why China is seeing a rush of global borrowers

Beijing’s looser monetary policy, a wider bond market opening and expanding yuan internationalisation are helping drive the trend, analysts say.

‘Immediately stop shooting’: Trump urges Iran and Israel amid tit-for-tat strikes

Fragile April ceasefire collapses as direct tit-for-tat strikes resume on day 100 of the US-Israel war against Iran.

Central Asia tipped to be Hong Kong’s next logistics hub: Airport Authority head

Chairman Fred Lam says flight disruptions in Middle East and Russia make region viable hub connecting Asia and Europe.

Editorial | Central Asia visit has cemented Hong Kong’s position as a superconnector

Beyond the value of the deals, the mission’s success can also be measured through the matching of interests between HK and mainland firms and their Kazakh and Uzbek counterparts.

96 deals signed, flights planned: what’s next for Hong Kong and Central Asia?

Observers say real challenge lies ahead as government and business stakeholders follow up to realise gains.

Hong Kong ideal platform for Uzbek firms to spread wings globally, John Lee says

City leader invites Uzbek Prime Minister Abdulla Aripov to be keynote speaker at coming Belt and Road Summit to be held in Hong Kong in September.

Chinese military team inspects Russia bases as Putin hails ‘natural allies’

Two-day inspection trip this week was part of routine verification exercise under 1996 and 1997 border agreements, Tass reports.

Hong Kong signs 96 agreements with Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan worth US$1.65 billion

City leader John Lee hails Central Asia visit as setting stage for closer government and business ties with region.

Direct Hong Kong-Almaty flights ‘will save travellers 10 hours, draw tourists’

Lawmakers say new route set to be launched next year will strengthen business ties and bring tourists to Hong Kong shores, with visa-free access under discussion.

Direct flights between Hong Kong and Uzbekistan to launch this year, sources say

Direct flights between Hong Kong and Tashkent to start as talks begin on reciprocal 30-day visa-free stay agreement to boost trade, tourism and regional ties.

Editorial | Kazakhstan partnerships redefine Hong Kong’s strategic role in Central Asia

Chief Executive John Lee’s trip has delivered concrete results that will enhance business and economic ties and boost tourism.

Universities in Hong Kong and Kazakhstan deepen ties during Lee’s visit

Education University of Hong Kong and Polytechnic University sign agreements with Nazarbayev University on research and other areas.

Opinion | In today’s ‘great game’, Central Asian nations are no longer prizes to be won

Exclusive | US assures India over AI ‘kill switch’ as ‘Pax Silica’ expands to counter China