THE FIRST KAZAKH-CHINESE TECHNOPARK OF AGRICULTURAL TECHNOLOGIES AND EXPORT DEVELOPMENT IN CENTRAL ASIA WILL BE ESTABLISHED AT KOZYBAYEV UNIVERSITY

As part of the China International Education Exhibition, a meeting was held between the delegation led by Gulzat Kobenova, Vice Minister of Science and Higher Education of the Republic of Kazakhstan, representatives of Kozybayev University, and the delegation of the Henan Agricultural Investment Group headed by CEO Chen Huaian. The parties discussed the implementation of the project “Kazakh-Chinese Technopark of Agricultural Technologies and Export Development”, as well as prospects for further deepening cooperation in agriculture, science, and technology.

The project is being implemented with the support of the Akimat of North Kazakhstan Region, the Ministry of Science and Higher Education of the Republic of Kazakhstan, and with the direct participation of Kozybayev University as the main platform for practical implementation. Preparatory work, scientific support, and the organization of pilot agricultural activities are already being carried out at the university.

In November 2025, during the visit of the North Kazakhstan Region delegation to China under the leadership of Akim Gaukyez Nurmukhambetov, a memorandum of cooperation was signed in Beijing between the university and the Henan Agricultural Investment Group. This became the foundation for the practical launch of the project. Over the course of one and a half years, the Chinese company conducted a comparative analysis of conditions in several countries, including Uzbekistan, Malaysia, and Kyrgyzstan. Taking into account the support of the regional akimat, as well as the university’s scientific potential and infrastructure base, the decision was made to implement the project specifically in the North Kazakhstan Region.

For these purposes, the regional akimat allocated a 61-hectare land plot to the university and provided organizational and infrastructural support. The project is being carried out with the support of the Ministry and is aimed at strengthening the scientific base, introducing advanced agricultural technologies, and training highly qualified specialists.

The Henan Agricultural Investment Group is one of the largest state-owned enterprises in Henan Province and one of China’s leading agricultural corporations. The company’s annual turnover exceeds USD 20 billion, and the group includes more than 170 subsidiaries, covering the full spectrum of agro-industrial activities.

The project will be implemented in two stages. The first stage предусматривает the creation of the technopark’s infrastructure, the formation of a research and production base, and the introduction of advanced technologies. The investment volume from the Chinese partner will amount to approximately USD 10 million. The planned construction area is around 35,000 square meters, including warehouse complexes, research and administrative buildings, dormitories, infrastructure for agricultural machinery, and modern greenhouse facilities.

At this stage, Kozybayev University and the Henan Agricultural Investment Group will establish a joint venture responsible for the construction, management, and further development of the technopark, ensuring its efficient and sustainable operation. The university, in turn, will provide scientific support, including research activities, pilot and demonstration projects, development of technological solutions, data processing, technology transfer, and specialist training.

The key areas of project implementation include: plant breeding and seed production; increasing crop yields; introducing mechanization, automation, and digital technologies; applying intelligent solutions, including artificial intelligence technologies; and developing agricultural processing and export chains. At a later stage, further investments are planned for deep agricultural processing, expansion of the agro-industrial value chain, and the formation of a modern high-value-added agricultural industrial cluster.

Speaking at the ceremony honoring scientists, President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev emphasized: “The scientific potential must be used effectively for the benefit of the country. The discoveries of our scientists should not remain merely office achievements. We need projects that deliver concrete results and can be introduced into production. In short, science must serve the needs of the economy and society.”

The implementation of this project fully aligns with these objectives and will have a comprehensive impact on the development of Kazakhstan’s agricultural sector, including: strengthening the country’s food security; accelerating agricultural modernization; developing the agro-industrial chain and deep processing; increasing export potential; creating new jobs and supporting regional economic growth; and strengthening the scientific and educational base.

This project is the first comprehensive initiative of its kind in Central Asia, implemented with the participation of regional authorities, a university, and a major Chinese investment company, combining investment, science, and technology. The project is currently in the implementation stage and is being carried out at Kozybayev