China and Italy give Kazakhstan the eye after it legalizes hemp

The industrial hemp sector in Kazakhstan is attracting interest. In early September, the Kazakh government began negotiations with the Chinese pharmaceutical giant Cheng Tian Run Kang Medical Limited regarding large-scale cultivation and processing projects. According to Kazinform, the meeting between Gabidulla Ospankulov, chairman of the Foreign Ministry’s Investment Committee, and Li Shu-he, the company’s president, focused on the development of hemp-based pharmaceuticals, dietary supplements, and textiles.

For Kazakhstan, this partnership aligns perfectly with national priorities aimed at developing pharmaceutical capabilities and driving far-reaching agricultural transformation. Li Shu-he, for his part, described the country as «a strategic partner for long-term cooperation,» citing its favorable climate and its fertile lands. Both sides have committed to moving the discussions forward with a view to concrete implementation.

The Chinese announcement follows another instance of foreign interest: in July, the‘Italian Farmers’ Union’ The Italian (UCI) has begun negotiations in Astana regarding pilot hemp plots and investments in textiles, green construction, and medicine. With two major international players now at the negotiating table, the young hemp industry Kazakhstan appears to be a real magnet for global investment.

Italian farmers are leading the way

Discussions with the UCI, held in Astana in July 2025, reflected Europe’s early interest in Kazakhstan’s new industrial framework for hemp. UCI President Mario Serpillo presented the organization’s expertise in closed-loop hemp systems, covering fibers, oil, and biomaterials.

«.

The Italian side emphasized the’sustainable agriculture and regulatory compliance, while Kazakh officials welcomed the opportunity to diversify the economy through hemp. The first phase calls for pilot plots of up to 100 hectares in several regions, using varieties of industrial hemp in compliance with the international threshold of 0.3% of THC.

The UCI, one of Europe’s oldest and largest agricultural organizations, represents more than 300,000 members and plays a role in shaping EU agricultural policy. Its involvement shows that Kazakhstan’s strategy is not limited to attracting capital, but also aims to leverage technical expertise and sustainable practices.

The legal groundwork was laid in the spring

These international developments were made possible by legislative changes that took place earlier in 2025. In May, the Kazakhstan has officially legalized industrial hemp, launching pilot projects to test cultivation and processing. The first crops were planted in the Kostanay region, while a second full-cycle agro-industrial facility was planned for northern Kazakhstan.

The reform followed a vote in April by the Mazhilis, the lower house of parliament, which approved the industrial hemp cultivation with a maximum THC content of 0.3%.

The decision to legalize hemp marked a break with decades of prohibition and the fight against trafficking. The Chüy Valley and Kyzylorda regions have long been known for their wild cannabis cultivation, with authorities seizing more than 230 metric tons since 2014. By creating a channel legal for cultivation, the government hopes to repurpose part of this existing infrastructure for legitimate, environmentally friendly industries.

Officials highlight hemp's potential in the textile, bioenergy, pharmaceutical, and light manufacturing sectors. Beyond economic diversification, this Culture should contribute to job creation in rural areas, environmental resilience, and reducing dependence on imports.

The relaunch of the hemp cultivation is not entirely new in Kazakhstan. Previous attempts in 2016 and 2018 failed due to a lack of political will. However, the current framework—supported by clear legislation and international partnerships—suggests that this time, the industry could take root on a lasting basis.

As the Ministry of Agriculture stated in May: «With the right technologies and comprehensive cycle management, the industrial hemp »can fuel a new wave of job creation, economic diversification, and ecological resilience."