Turkestan Region Akimat: Memorandum on Cotton Cluster Development

The signing ceremony took place during the Second Tian Shan Central Asia Economic Cooperation Forum in Almaty, attended by Kazakhstan's Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of National Economy Serik Zhumangarin. The document was signed by Turkestan Region Akim Nuralxan Kusherov and Xinjiang Lihua Investment Holding Director Xu Jie. The initiative carries out agricultural agreements reached at the second Central Asia – China Summit and reinforces bilateral agribusiness cooperation.

What progress was achieved in the initial phase?

During the first phase of the partnership, the investor concluded construction in late July 2026, establishing a modern cotton cultivation base in the Turkestan Region. According to the regional administration, plans also include the construction and commissioning of 4 production and auxiliary facilities, covering cotton processing, PVC pipe manufacturing, water-saving equipment assembly, and seed processing.

What facilities are planned for the second phase?

The investor plans to expand capital deployment in the region to build an integrated value chain. Plans include developing a modern cotton farming base equipped with smart agriculture, drip irrigation, water-conserving systems, and eco-friendly practices. In deep processing, the project entails launching enterprises for premium fabric weaving, home textiles, dyeing and finishing, and ready-to-wear apparel, connecting every link from raw cotton harvesting to the final consumer product.

When will construction begin and how long will it take?

According to the investor, after completing project design and regulatory permitting, construction is scheduled to begin in 2027 with a projected build period of 2 years. Both sides intend to complete the facilities on schedule and bring them into full commercial operation.

FAQ

### Where was the memorandum signed?
The signing took place in Almaty on the sidelines of the Second Tian Shan Central Asia Economic Cooperation Forum.

Rules related to this news

### What core principles govern the partnership?
The parties agreed to cooperate on principles of equality, voluntariness, mutual benefit, long-term stability, and environmental sustainability.

### Who is financing the project?
According to the regional akimat press service, the project is financed using the investor's own funds.

### What goods will be produced in the deep processing segment?
The product lineup includes high-grade eco-friendly textiles, home furnishings, dyed fabrics, and finished garments.

### Is this news related to China?
Yes. The investor is Xinjiang Lihua Investment Holding, and the memorandum implements agricultural agreements reached during the second Central Asia – China Summit.

Sources

Press service of the Turkestan Region Akimat (memleket.kz), 3 November: https://memleket.kz/ru/news/130871-na-vtorom-tian-sanskom-forume-mezdu-turkestanskoi-oblastiu-i-investorom-zakliuceno-vaznoe-soglasenie

Illustration: AI-generated, not a real photograph.