TOPIC

/ location

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

Smoke rises from the grain carrier Golden Leo under the Guinea-Bissau flag after Russian missile strikes in the the Black Sea close to Odesa, Ukraine on Sunday. Photo: AP

Ukraine war

Ukraine blames Russia for deadly strike on Turkish cargo ship

Ukraine’s navy said 6 died when Russia launched cruise missiles at the Golden Leo as it was ‘leaving the combat zone with a cargo of grain’.

20 Jul 2026 - 7:43AMvideocam

Commodities

China’s resources deals turn gold mines into – gold mines

18 Jul 2026 - 4:21AMvideocam

Artificial intelligence

Xi Jinping warns against creating ‘new historical injustices’ in AI era

17 Jul 2026 - 4:16PMvideocam

China travel

China and Kazakhstan agree to add 28 round-trip flights a week

Officials meeting in Beijing also expanded list of approved Chinese cities to 11, including Chongqing.

17 Jul 2026 - 2:53PM

A Kazakh government Airbus A320 lands at Astana airport in 2024. Photo: Shutterstock Images

Hong Kong economy

Mainland Chinese firms on Hong Kong-led Central Asia trip ‘eye city listing’

Hong Kong’s leader says city will press on as ‘superconnector’, ‘super value-adder’ to help them expand overseas amid geopolitical disruptions.

14 Jul 2026 - 7:35PM

Banking & finance

Hong Kong exchange lures listings from Canada, Indonesia, Kazakhstan

Bourse expected to see influx of international issuers in year’s second half, led by consumer goods and services companies, according to PwC.

10 Jul 2026 - 10:30AM

Hong Kong economy

Editorial | In the age of AI, Hong Kong’s strategy as a ‘superconnector’ is progressing

At SCMP’s China Conference, Chief Executive John Lee and panellists made clear the city’s potential as an innovation centre, building on its traditional strengths.

8 Jul 2026 - 7:15AM

(From left) Jeanne Lim, founder and CEO of beingAI; Hendrick Sin, president of the Hong Kong Internet Professional Association; and Zhang Xiaoyan, vice-president of the China Centre for Information Industry Development, at South China Morning Post’s China Conference on July 7. Photo: Jonathan Wong

Hong Kong economy

SCMP’s China Conference to debut in Astana this September

Esteemed China Conference series in Kazakh capital will highlight opportunities in fast-growing Central Asia.

8 Jul 2026 - 3:55PM

Japan

Japan pledges US$3 million for Kazakhstan’s Caspian Sea water decline

Under the initiative for the world’s largest inland water body, Japan hopes to promote cooperation among littoral states on water resource management.

4 Jul 2026 - 10:10PM

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.

2 Jul 2026 - 6:38AM

People walk past the Nur-Astana Mosque, the third largest mosque in Central Asia, in Astana, Kazakhstan, on May 25. Photo: AFP

China trade

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

Beijing’s push to develop a transcontinental rail network has reduced exposure to naval chokepoints, analyst says.

29 Jun 2026 - 10:05PM

The new route comes as China continues to expand its overland trade network across Central Asia and beyond. Photo: Handout

China trade

China cuts through Russia, Mideast instability with alternate cargo route

Middle Corridor through Kazakhstan and across Caspian Sea would have transit time of 15 to 18 days, compared with 45 to 60 for ocean routes.

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

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

A China-Europe freight train prepares to leave the China-Kazakhstan (Lianyungang) Logistics Cooperation base in Lianyungang, Jiangsu province, in 2023. Photo: CFOTO/Future Publishing via Getty Images

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

The closure of the Strait of Hormuz has disrupted shipments of vital supplies such as oil, gas and fertiliser. Photo: AFP

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

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

Chief Executive John Lee (left) pauses for a selfie with Astana International Financial Centre Governor Renat Bekturov at the AIFC headquarters in Astana, Kazakhstan, on June 1. Photo: Handout

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

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

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

Chief Executive John Lee and Kazakh Deputy Prime Minister Kanat Bozumbayev. Photo: Dickson Lee

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 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 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

Hong Kong Chief Executive John Lee Ka-chiu visits the Astana Hub to learn about the latest Kazakh developments in artificial intelligence on June 1, in Kazakhstan. Photo: ISD

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

Yuan banknotes are seen in this illustration picture taken on April 25, 2022. Photo: Reuters

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

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

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Kazakhstan

Ukraine blames Russia for deadly strike on Turkish cargo ship

Ukraine’s navy said 6 died when Russia launched cruise missiles at the Golden Leo as it was ‘leaving the combat zone with a cargo of grain’.

China’s resources deals turn gold mines into – gold mines

Xi Jinping warns against creating ‘new historical injustices’ in AI era

China and Kazakhstan agree to add 28 round-trip flights a week

Officials meeting in Beijing also expanded list of approved Chinese cities to 11, including Chongqing.

Mainland Chinese firms on Hong Kong-led Central Asia trip ‘eye city listing’

Hong Kong’s leader says city will press on as ‘superconnector’, ‘super value-adder’ to help them expand overseas amid geopolitical disruptions.

Hong Kong exchange lures listings from Canada, Indonesia, Kazakhstan

Bourse expected to see influx of international issuers in year’s second half, led by consumer goods and services companies, according to PwC.

.css-1pcrwvc{color:#2aa191;}Editorial | In the age of AI, Hong Kong’s strategy as a ‘superconnector’ is progressing

At SCMP’s China Conference, Chief Executive John Lee and panellists made clear the city’s potential as an innovation centre, building on its traditional strengths.

SCMP’s China Conference to debut in Astana this September

Esteemed China Conference series in Kazakh capital will highlight opportunities in fast-growing Central Asia.

Japan pledges US$3 million for Kazakhstan’s Caspian Sea water decline

Under the initiative for the world’s largest inland water body, Japan hopes to promote cooperation among littoral states on water resource management.

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

Beijing’s push to develop a transcontinental rail network has reduced exposure to naval chokepoints, analyst says.

China cuts through Russia, Mideast instability with alternate cargo route

Middle Corridor through Kazakhstan and across Caspian Sea would have transit time of 15 to 18 days, compared with 45 to 60 for ocean routes.

.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 | In the age of AI, Hong Kong’s strategy as a ‘superconnector’ is progressing

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