Chinese companies are considering opening production facilities in Stepnogorsk for drones, light two-seat helicopters, and renewable energy equipment. These projects are part of a package of joint initiatives between Kazakhstan and China with a total investment of $70 million, according to infohub.kz.
A memorandum of understanding was signed by the Akimat of Akmola Region, Kazakh holding TauKen Group owned by businessman Adil Abay, and Chinese company Changzhou Chenwei International Trade Co., Ltd. (Chenwei Group), which coordinates a pool of investors from Changzhou. The projects are supported by the national company Kazakh Invest.
The document was signed on behalf of the Akim of Akmola Region Marat Akhmetzhanov by the region's deputy akim Ernar Zharkeshov.
Cooperation between TauKen Group and Chenwei Group began in June 2026. Initially, the parties signed a memorandum of cooperation in Astana, and then in Changzhou, China, they concluded a framework investment agreement on joint projects in industry, logistics, and high technology.
According to the agreement, the partners are exploring the possibility of implementing eight investment projects in Kazakhstan. In addition to the $70 million investment, the parties expect to create additional production worth $160 million. In future project companies, Chinese investors are planned to receive 51%, and TauKen Group 49%.
The list of projects includes the production of unmanned aerial vehicles, light two-seat helicopters, renewable energy equipment, sewing products, metal products, and Big Bag soft containers. Also under consideration are projects to expand the fleet of construction and mining equipment and to process used oil and gas pipes and technogenic mineral formations.
During the meeting, representatives of Stepnogorsk presented available industrial sites, infrastructure, and state support measures to Chinese investors. It is in this city that the parties are considering localizing the production of drones and light helicopters with the participation of Wuxi Hanhe Aviation Intelligent Technology Co., Ltd. and Changzhou Zhonglian Aviation Technology Co., Ltd. Production of renewable energy equipment may also be located here with the participation of Changzhou Shenglai Solar Technology Co., Ltd. and Jiangsu Meiertai Smart Lighting Technology Co., Ltd.
Following the negotiations, the parties agreed to continue working on the projects, including selecting land plots and connecting future enterprises to engineering networks.