Construction of the International Center for Border Cooperation began last Saturday on the territory of the Khorgos Checkpoint on the Kazakh-Chinese border. Its premises will be constructed on the territories of both countries. Xinhua news agency reports that the idea of the Center belongs to the national leaders of China and Kazakhstan.

"Construction of the Chinese-Kazakh Center will take 5-7 years. The institution is expected to facilitate bilateral trade and economic cooperation between our countries," Center Control Committee Chairman Ljan Xinyan said. Beijing is determined to settle in the markets of Central Asia, the region with the population amounting to 60 million. The Center will also become a gateway to West Asia and Europe for China.

Commerce will be organized on the premises of the Center, and commodities will be put out for display. The facility will also include warehouses. Some of its segments will be dedicated solely to tourism.

Sum total of investments in the project is evaluated at approximately $1.2 billion. Kazakhstan intends to invest $35 million in infrastructure.