On July 21, 2025, the Foreign Affairs Office of Hainan Province and the Association of Participants of Special Economic Zones of Kazakhstan (SezUnion) signed the Memorandum of Understanding between the Foreign Affairs Office of Hainan Province of the People’s Republic of China and the Association of Participants of Special Economic Zones of Kazakhstan on the Establishment of Friendly and Cooperative Relations for Free Trade Zones/Ports in Almaty, Kazakhstan. 

With the signing, SezUnion becomes the Hainan Free Trade Port (FTP)’s 41st partner within the Global Free Trade Zones (Ports) Partnership Initiative framework. The partnership is set to further deepen Hainan’s cooperative links with fellow FTZs (FTPs) around the world, bolster its role as a key hub and node within the Initiative, and advance the creation of a high-standard, globally connected FTZ network for the Hainan FTP as it to implement island-wide special customs operations and broaden its agenda of opening wider to the world.

According to the MOU, both sides will facilitate and coordinate relevant departments to give full play to their respective policy advantages, locations, and industrial strengths in developing cross-border (inter-zonal) cooperation between industrial parks. The two parties will also benefit from each other’s experience and approaches in advancing institutional opening-up, with a focus on rules, regulations, management, and standards.

Founded in 2020, SezUnion is responsible for integrating the country’s special economic zone (SEZ) resources. It oversees 14 national-level SEZs across Kazakhstan and plays a crucial role in policy coordination, investment promotion, business services, and international cooperation.