Seeking a Chinese investor for a warehouse and logistics complex JV — Ili District, Almaty Region

The proposal

The initiator proposes a warehouse or logistics complex in or near Almaty. Land area and building size are left open, to be set together with the investor according to its own requirements and budget. The preferred location is Ili District north of Almaty, in particular the Baiserke area. No plot has been selected yet; the initiator says he can identify candidate sites himself, contact landowners and collect the necessary information.

Structure and roles

The intended form is a joint venture with a Chinese investor. The investor would provide all the funding for buying or leasing land and for construction. The initiator would contribute no capital but would take charge of the local organisation: site selection, negotiations with landowners, coordination with building contractors, and help in finding tenants. He hopes to take part as a local equity partner and accepts that any shareholding would be negotiated according to his actual contribution and responsibilities; other forms of remuneration are also open to discussion.

The initiator has hands-on experience in the construction industry and some business experience. He has not previously led a logistics project, says he is keen to work closely with experienced professionals, and is willing to meet potential investors in person in Almaty.

Market context

On Kazakhstan customs data compiled by this site, imports from China were USD 16.77 billion in 2023, USD 15.15 billion in 2024 and USD 18.97 billion in 2025, or 29% of Kazakhstan's total imports in 2025; exports to China ranged between USD 14.8 billion and 15.2 billion over the same years. Almaty sits on the main route from the Khorgos border crossing and is one of the principal distribution hubs for goods arriving from China.

A caveat: trade values describe the overall volume of goods, not demand for warehouse space on any particular plot. The initiator has not yet carried out a market assessment or secured tenants, and says he will first talk to logistics companies, importers and distributors about their requirements before going further. Any view on this project should rest on the transport access of a specific plot, vacancy and rent levels of nearby warehousing, and written interest from prospective tenants.

Chart data come from our trade_lab database (sources given under each chart), independent of the party's materials.

Who this suits

This suits Chinese companies already running freight, cross-border e-commerce or distribution between China and Kazakhstan that want their own warehousing in Almaty, and investors with experience in overseas logistics real estate who can carry out site appraisal and project management themselves. As the project is still at the concept stage, the investor should expect to lead the feasibility study, land due diligence and construction management, with the initiator mainly providing local coordination.

Key facts

Project type

New-build warehouse or logistics complex (greenfield)

Preferred location

Almaty or Almaty Region, preferably Ili District and the Baiserke area; no plot selected

Scale

Land and building size open, to be set by the investor's needs and budget

Funding

Investor to fund land purchase or lease and construction in full

Initiator's contribution

Local organisation: site search, landowner talks, contractor coordination, tenant search

Form

Joint venture; the initiator seeks a local equity stake negotiated on actual contribution

Stage

Early stage: no plot, no design documents, no market study, no tenants lined up

Initiator's background

Private individual with construction-industry experience; has not led a logistics project before

Received

Two letters (16 Oct 2026 in Russian; 18 Oct 2026 follow-up in English)

Submitted by

Submitted by a private initiator (identity and background not verified; not acting for any landowner)