Core Viewpoint - The Kazakh government has approved an investment agreement for the establishment of a complete cotton production and garment manufacturing industry cluster in Turkestan region, aiming to enhance agricultural development and introduce advanced agricultural technologies [1] Group 1: Project Overview - The project will create the largest cotton growing and processing complex in Central Asia, covering 60,000 hectares of irrigated farmland, generating over 1,400 long-term jobs and more than 300 seasonal jobs [1] - The investment from China Xinjiang Lihua Group exceeds 58 billion tenge for the first phase, with total foreign investment expected to surpass 200 billion tenge [1] Group 2: Technological Advancements - The project will introduce several previously unused technologies in Kazakhstan, including 196 efficient drip irrigation pump stations, over 500 kilometers of water distribution channels, and integrated fertilizer application systems [1] - The complex will also feature polyethylene recycling lines for drip tape and hose production, significantly reducing import dependency and achieving a closed-loop production from raw cotton to finished garments [1] Group 3: Agricultural Impact - The project is expected to significantly increase the domestic deep processing ratio and expand the production of high-value-added textiles, strengthening the local textile industry and enhancing export potential [2] - Turkestan region has traditionally been a major cotton-producing area in Kazakhstan, with cotton fields accounting for 15.9% of the region's arable land [2] - By 2025, the cotton planting area is projected to reach 144,500 hectares, with an expected total raw cotton output of 428,000 tons, achieving the highest yield in nearly 18 years due to the widespread adoption of water-saving technologies and high-quality varieties [2]