China–Kazakhstan Energy Ties Upgraded:
Kazakh Prime Minister Meets Geo-Jade Delegation Ahead of Summit to Chart New Chapter in Strategic Cooperation

A Pre-Summit Prelude: Jointly Drawing the Blueprint for Energy Cooperation

On June 13, 2025, on the eve of the Second China–Central Asia Summit, Prime Minister Olzhas Bekzhanov of Kazakhstan held an official meeting in the government chamber with Mr. Chen Huanlong, Chairman of Geo-Jade Petroleum Corporation, and representatives from its controlling shareholder, Hong Kong Zhongke International Petroleum & Gas Investment Group. This high-level meeting not only recognized Geo-Jade's deep-rooted presence in Kazakhstan over more than a decade, but also signaled Kazakhstan's strong intent to further elevate China–Kazakhstan strategic energy cooperation—setting a tone of practical collaboration ahead of the summit.

A Decade of Dedication: Geo-Jade's Mark on Kazakhstan

In his remarks, Prime Minister Bekzhanov highly praised the contributions of Hong Kong Zhongke and Geo-Jade. As the largest Chinese private investor in Kazakhstan's oil and gas sector, Geo-Jade has operated in the country for over ten years. Together with Zhongke and other investors, the group has completed major projects with total investments exceeding USD 3 billion, including over USD 1.5 billion in taxes paid.

As of the end of 2024, Geo-Jade's Matin and KoZhaN projects alone had contributed over USD 10 million in donations and R&D-related public obligations and had created nearly 1,000 long-term jobs, supporting local employment and regional economic development.

The Prime Minister expressed hope that Geo-Jade would expand its investment in Kazakhstan and voiced strong interest in the jointly invested Sozak Gas Field project, stating that all relevant government departments would offer full support to Sozak Company under the premise of safeguarding Kazakhstan's national interests.

Chairman Chen Huanlong emphasized that Geo-Jade, as an international integrated energy company, has built a foundation of profitability through stable operations. He noted the company's current transition toward clean energy and smart oilfield development, and affirmed its intention to expand high-quality natural gas exploration and development in Kazakhstan—supporting both international growth and host-country economic advancement.

Innovation in Technology: Unlocking Resource Value

The meeting included in-depth discussions on exploration and development progress at the Sozak Gas Field. Representatives from Sozak Company detailed the block's geological features and technical challenges, presenting a "three-tier, four-phase" rolling exploration model as the core strategy.

They also highlighted the importance of supportive policies from the Kazakh side in ensuring successful execution. Sozak Company committed to mobilizing world-class technology teams, capital, and equipment to drive the project forward and achieve a win–win strategic partnership with the Kazakh government.

The Prime Minister applauded Zhongke and Geo-Jade for their technical strength, global management capacity, and sustained investment commitment. He reaffirmed the government's support for Sozak Company and pledged to uphold investor rights under a mutually beneficial framework—tapping into Kazakhstan's full resource potential.

Government Action: Institutional Innovation to Overcome Bottlenecks

The meeting concluded with a resolution for Kazakhstan's Ministry of Energy, together with the Ministries of Foreign Affairs and Finance, to lead the formation of a dedicated working group to assist Zhongke and Geo-Jade in resolving existing Sozak project issues.

The working group will formulate preferential policies tailored to exploration and development needs, ensuring that the project proceeds on schedule. Prime Minister Bekzhanov emphasized that this mechanism represents Kazakhstan's firm commitment to improving its investment climate and removing obstacles for strategic investors.

Toward a Shared Energy Future

The significance of this meeting goes far beyond any single project:

• Corporate   Level: It paves the way for Geo-Jade's long-term presence in   Kazakhstan, and accelerates the upgrade of its dual-track oil and gas   strategy.
• National   Level: It echoes the shared vision of China and Kazakhstan in   co-building the Silk Road Economic Belt, strengthening regional   connectivity through energy cooperation.
• Global   Perspective: It establishes a new model for “government–enterprise”   collaboration, providing inspiration and momentum for energy   partnerships along the Belt and Road.