Kozybayev University: a unique agricultural technopark begins field trials

A series of business events took place as part of the visit to Astana by a trade and economic delegation from Hong Kong and mainland China, led by John Lee, Chief Executive of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region. Representatives of Kozybayev University participated in these events. Meaningful negotiations were held with representatives of relevant organizations and companies from Hong Kong, mainland China, and Kazakhstan on cooperation in agricultural technology, the establishment of a modern agricultural demonstration park, international investment interaction, and the integration of education, science, and production.

The Chairman of the Board of Henan Agricultural Investment Group, Mr. Li Xiaohuan, presented the project for the Kazakhstan – China Technopark of Agricultural Technologies and Export Development in the North Kazakhstan Region (NKR), which is being implemented jointly with Kozybayev University. The project is tailored to the agricultural development needs of North Kazakhstan and involves the introduction of modern agricultural technologies, testing and demonstration of high-yielding varieties, application of smart farming technologies, personnel training, and the development of interaction between science, education, and production. Its goal is to create an international platform for agricultural cooperation that integrates scientific research, technology demonstration, extension services, and industrial implementation. The presented project was highly praised by John Lee, Chief Executive of the Hong Kong SAR.

During the meeting, in the presence of Chris Lo, Regional Director of the Hong Kong Trade Development Council for Europe and Central Asia, Erbol Isakayev, Chairman of the Board – Rector of Kozybayev University, and Li Xiaohuan, Chairman of Henan Agricultural Investment Group, signed an investment cooperation agreement. In accordance with its terms, further financing for the project will be channeled through the Hong Kong Henan Agricultural Investment platform, which will accelerate its implementation and the deployment of results.

Kozybayev University launched the initiative to establish the Kazakhstan – China Technopark of Agricultural Technologies and Export Development jointly with Henan Agricultural Investment Group in 2025, with the support of the Akimat of the North Kazakhstan Region. The technopark project is unique – it is being implemented for the first time not only in Kazakhstan but in the whole of Central Asia.

The volume of investment from the Chinese partner is estimated at approximately 10 million dollars.

In a relatively short period, the parties have managed to carry out significant preparatory work: a cooperation agreement has been signed, the Akimat has allocated a 62-hectare land plot in the Kyzylzhar district of the NKR, and the first batch of seeds has been delivered from China – 9 varieties of wheat, 5 varieties of rapeseed, and 18 varieties of corn.

In parallel, the scientific research scheme for variety trials has been finalized, the plan for the future demonstration park has been drawn up, and the necessary registration procedures are underway. To date, field trials have been initiated at the university's agrobiological station.

The signing of this agreement marks an important milestone in Kozybayev University's efforts to expand international cooperation and contribute to the modernization of agriculture in the region.