Premier Li Qiang met with Kazakh Prime Minister Olzhas Bektenov in Shanghai on Monday, who is in the Chinese city to attend the 7th China International Import Expo (CIIE). During the meeting, Li recalled President Xi Jinping's state visit to Kazakhstan in July, where new frameworks for bilateral relations were established. He reiterated China's commitment to implementing the shared vision of the two heads of state. He also emphasized political trust and mutual support on each other's core interests.
Li called for expanding China-Kazakhstan cooperation in trade, industrial investment, connectivity, and cultural exchanges.
Bektenov noted that Kazakhstan-China relations have reached a record high in recent years under the strategic guidance of the two heads of state.
Kazakhstan attaches great importance to its relations with China and is willing to further strengthen high-level exchanges with China, deepen cooperation on trade, investment, agriculture, transportation, science and technology, culture and education, and strengthen connectivity within the framework of Belt and Road cooperation, said Bektenov.
The two leaders witnessed the signing of a series of cooperation documents after their meeting.
Chinese premier meets Kazakh PM, calling for enhanced cooperation
Chinese premier meets Kazakh PM, calling for enhanced cooperation
China is experiencing a surge in outdoor and sporting activities which serve as a powerful catalyst for consumption and economic growth.
In Baoding City, north China's Hebei Province, residents are flocking to a local sports center for their fitness fix. Activities such as tug-of-war, balance bike racing, and pickleball are igniting public enthusiasm for sports.
"Pickleball is such a vibrant and enjoyable sport. It allows us not only to experience the joy of sports but also to appreciate the power of teamwork. I hope there will be more events like this in the future so that pickleball can gain wider popularity in Baoding," said Guo Yingqiu, a pickleball enthusiast.
While sports focus on physical activities, they also help boost the local economy. Streets surrounding the sports center were packed with vendors selling products like table tennis rackets and snacks.
Chinese cities have also benefited from hosting sporting events. Over the past month, China hosted several international competitions, including the 2024 China Open tennis tournament in Beijing. Ticket sales exceeded 80 million yuan (over 11.3 million U.S. dollars), reflecting a 60 percent increase from the previous year.
This year's tournament also attracted more sponsorships. The 2024 Wuhan Open saw a rise in viewership and revenue, driven by an influx of out-of-town visitors. Of the 180,000 spectators, more than 44 percent traveled to Wuhan for the tournament, contributing significantly to the local economy, particularly in the food and hospitality sectors.
"Sports events are a powerful tool for fostering new types of consumption and expanding existing markets. Moving forward, we aim to develop the sports event economy by creating an ecosystem that unleashes the sector's potential and cultivates a sustainable consumer market," said Chen Jie, deputy director of the Beijing Municipal Bureau of Sports.
Latest reports indicate that bookings for outdoor sports in the first half of this year surged by nearly 60 percent. With the winter sports season approaching, China anticipates further growth in the sports sector nationwide.
Rise of fitness events in China to fuel economic growth
