With the acceleration of urban modernization and housing renewal in Kazakhstan, China Construction Engineering Corporation (CSCEC) is seeking to expand its new strategic layout in Central Asia with its global engineering strength and successful cases.

In June 2025, at the meeting of Central Asia-China Business Council held in Astana, China State Construction Engineering Corporation International (CSCEC International) signed several memorandums of cooperation with Kazakhstan, marking that its business in Kazakhstan will extend from transportation infrastructure to housing industry and urban development.

From light rail to urban renewal: China Construction International falls into Astana again

China Construction International has participated in the construction of Astana light rail system, and is one of the few China contractors with practical experience in Kazakhstan.

Today, the ninth largest construction company in the world is planning to expand its business map in this country. According to the news released by Samruk-Kazyna Construction, a state-owned enterprise in Kazakhstan, China Construction International is considering building a modular housing factory in Astana, and then participating in the renovation project of old houses covering the whole country.

Maureen Aimanbetov, CEO of Samruk-Kazena Construction Company, and Gao Bo, Chairman of China Construction International, signed a memorandum of cooperation during the meeting. The two sides plan to cooperate in many directions, such as engineering network transformation, housing upgrading and urban agglomeration development.

Renovation of Old Houses: Urgent Needs of Kazakhstan

The government of Kazakhstan is facing the dual challenges of aging housing and urban infrastructure modernization, especially in big cities and emerging industrial towns.

Aimanbetov said: "The renovation of housing and pipe network is a national event. Every citizen should live in a warm, bright and safe home. "

China is looking for efficient and low-cost solutions, and the advantages of China Construction International in modular building technology just meet this demand.

China Construction International has successfully built a modular housing factory in Austria, which has the ability of self-contained rapid construction. It is expected to copy its experience to Kazakhstan, reduce construction costs and improve project efficiency.

Alatao and "New Tashkent": The Ambition of Copying Successful Experiences

This memorandum of cooperation is not limited to technology export, but also involves a wider range of urban development projects.

China Construction International has shown great interest in participating in the construction of "Alatao" urban agglomeration in Almaty, which is developing into a new highland for tourism, logistics and investment.

China Construction International also introduced its experience in the construction of the new Tashkent led by Uzbekistan. The project is planned to accommodate 2 million people and will become the core of the future government office in Uzbekistan. The success of such projects has promoted the brand reputation and government trust of China Construction International in Central Asia.

"City in the City" Project: Astana's Future Experimental Field

In addition to the Alatao project, the two sides also signed a second memorandum of cooperation focusing on the "city in the city" project.

The project is a part of Astana's strategy to promote the sustainable development of the city, including joint financing, design, construction and future operation mechanism.

Its focus is on digital city management, public space optimization and green development.

China Construction International said it would introduce China's mature experience in the field of "smart city" for the project and promote the upgrading of public works including water supply, heating and transportation systems.

Enterprise Layout and Strategic Intention

Since its establishment in 1982, China Construction International has undertaken major projects in 34 countries around the world, with an annual turnover exceeding 300 billion US dollars.

Its footprint in Central Asia is not limited to Kazakhstan, but also covers Uzbekistan and Tajikistan.

Under the background of infrastructure modernization, urban expansion and green development in Central Asian countries, China Construction International is building a multi-point layout in the regional market with its background of central enterprises and project experience.

Under the background of the continuous promotion of the "Belt and Road Initiative", this round of cooperation is not only the start of a single project, but also an important starting point for China Construction International to deepen its cultivation in Central Asia and establish a localized production capacity and operation center.

The diversified involvement of China Construction International shows that China construction enterprises are no longer satisfied with the traditional role of "project contractor", but participate in the modernization process of Central Asian countries as "urban development cooperators".

With the signing of more cooperation agreements, the future Kazakhstan will witness a more China-like urban development prospect. (This article is from Daodao www.seetao.com, official website. It is not allowed to reprint without permission, otherwise it will be investigated. Please indicate Daodao.com+original link for reprinting.) See the macro column editor of Daodao.com/Yin Jiahui