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

Gold prices remain highly elevated despite a recent sell-off, boosting the earnings of Chinese gold mining firms. Photo: AFP

Commodities

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

Chinese gold producers, after a buying spree for mines abroad, are cashing in as the metal’s price goes sky-high.

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

17 Jul 2026 - 2:53PM

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

Hong Kong’s leader John Lee (centre, pointing) views a scale model at Nazarbayev University in Astana, Kazakhstan, in early June. Photo: Handout

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

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

SCMP publisher Tammy Tam says the event in Astana will enable participants to explore new opportunities. Photo: Jonathan Wong

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

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

A photo taken on February 2 shows the first cross-Caspian Sea China-Europe freight train departing from the Nanchang International Land Port in Nanchang, in east China’s Jiangxi Province. Photo: Xinhua

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

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

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

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 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 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

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

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

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Kazakhstan

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

Chinese gold producers, after a buying spree for mines abroad, are cashing in as the metal’s price goes sky-high.

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

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

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 | 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.

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