Eurasianet

Kazakhstan was caught off guard by Beijing’s decision to relax coronavirus controls at a trade hub on the border.

Kazakh firms see an opportunity, but are tempering their enthusiasm for now.

Kazakh companies are treading carefully doing business with Russia.

Kazakh officials know they cannot be seen siding with a Chinese company.

The news is welcome with the countries about the feel the full knock-on impact of sanctions against Russia.

Businesspeople worry that Kazakh reliance on Russian export routes is going to harm the economy.

Sanctions on Russia quickly impact its allies in Central Asia.

None could miss Beijing’s big moment.

Tashkent’s vaccination campaign is getting a shot in the arm.

Xi Jinping said trade has grown 25-fold over the last two decades.

The government has ordered the fiscal inspection service to withdraw letters accusing businesses of evading taxes.

Kazakhstan is moving through the production cycle, powered by Chinese demand.

Kazakh exporters say China is pushing them aside, interested in a transit corridor but not a supplier.

City governments have money to burn and little accountability.

Government agencies and Kazakh-Chinese companies are using the pandemic to shield themselves from scrutiny.