Shaimerden Chikanayev spoke at APLA Forum on Chinese investment in Kazakhstan
On 7 August 2026, Shaimerden Chikanayev, a Partner at GRATA International and PhD candidate at the CUHK Faculty of Law,* spoke at the forum "Legal and Professional Services Empowering Chinese Enterprises to Enter Kazakhstan", which was organised by the Asia Pacific Law Association (APLA) in Hong Kong.
The forum brought together over 100 participants, including government officials, legal professionals, and experts from the professional and financial services sectors in Mainland China, Hong Kong, and Kazakhstan. Notable attendees included the Consul General of the Republic of Kazakhstan in Hong Kong, Mr Bauyrzhan Dosmanbetov; the Deputy Secretary‑General of the China Overseas Development Association, Ms Liu Jianqing; and the Deputy Secretary for Justice of Hong Kong, Dr Cheung Kwok‑kwan. The discussions centred on the growing opportunities for Chinese businesses looking to enter the Kazakh market, and the role that legal and professional services play in supporting cross‑border investment. A particular focus of the event was on strengthening professional cooperation between the legal communities of Kazakhstan, Hong Kong, and Mainland China.
During the session, Shaimerden gave a presentation titled "Legal Aspects of Investing in Energy and Infrastructure in Kazakhstan". He set out the key legal considerations for investors pursuing energy and infrastructure projects in the country, and highlighted important features of Kazakhstan's investment climate and investment contracts.
The forum also examined Hong Kong's position as a regional hub for cross‑border legal and professional services, the prospects offered by Kazakhstan's evolving market, the advantages of the Astana International Financial Centre (AIFC), and the scope for closer collaboration between the professional communities in Hong Kong, Mainland China, and Kazakhstan.
The event helped to strengthen professional networks and to encourage further investment cooperation between China, Hong Kong, and Kazakhstan, including within the framework of the Belt and Road Initiative.
Shaimerden Chikanayev’s presentation “Legal Aspects of Investing in Energy and Infrastructure in Kazakhstan” is available here.
*Shaimerden Chikanayev currently on a study sabbatical until 2026, not an employee of GRATA.
