ASTANA — The Kazakh-Chinese session for investment and development forum kicked off in Astana on Jan 29, with the two sides mulling more cooperation in the processing industry.

The forum, the third round of talks to discuss the programs of investment and industrial cooperation between the two countries, has brought together about 300 representatives from the business community, government agencies, national companies of the two countries attended the forum.

The Kazakh side was represented by the Minister for Investment and Development Asset Issekeshev, and the Chinese side by Deputy Chairman of the National Development and Reform Commission of China Wang Xiaotao.

More than 20 projects targeting finished products or high-value- added products in the processing industry are currently under discussion of the two sides, Issekeshev said.

Both sides also reviewed the possibility of implementing joint projects in Kazakhstan to create new industries in various manufacturing industries, as well as 100 business initiatives and ideas.

“The outcome of the third round of negotiations will be the identification of the first list of projects and signing of specific agreements in March. We hope that most of them will begin implementation this year. We are ready to provide the necessary support,” said Issekeshev at his opening remarks of the meeting.