Geely Automobile has signed a strategic cooperation agreement with Orbis Kazakhstan Holding to build a modern vehicle assembly plant in Almaty's industrial zone, with a total investment of approximately 100 billion tenge (about $210 million). The plant is expected to commence production in 2026, becoming Geely's core manufacturing base in Central Asia. This follows JAC Motors' joint venture agreement with Tashkent Investment to establish a vehicle assembly partnership in Uzbekistan. Chinese automakers are transitioning from pure vehicle export to a "local manufacturing + supply chain export" model.
Project Overview: Largest Chinese Auto Assembly Base in Central Asia
According to PwC's "Central Asian Five Countries Trade and Investment Overview" report, Geely Automobile signed a strategic cooperation agreement with Orbis Kazakhstan Holding in October 2025, selecting the Almaty industrial zone for a modern vehicle assembly plant. Key project parameters are as follows:
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Total Investment | Approx. 100 billion tenge (~$210 million) |
| Location | Almaty Industrial Zone, Kazakhstan |
| Partner | Orbis Kazakhstan Holding |
| Expected Production Start | 2026 |
| Strategic Positioning | Core manufacturing base for Central Asia |
This investment scale represents a top-tier level in the Central Asian automotive market. As reference, China's total automotive exports to Central Asian five countries reached $12.64 billion in 2025. Geely's single project accounts for approximately 1.7% of this total, demonstrating its long-term commitment to the region.
Strategic Intent: The Leap from Trade to Manufacturing
Geely's plant construction is not an isolated event but a microcosm of the upgrading of Chinese automotive export models. Over the past three years, Chinese automakers' Central Asia layout has evolved through three phases:
Phase 1 (2022-2023): Dominance of complete vehicle trade. Through ports such as Khorgos and Jimunai, large volumes of Chinese new vehicles were transshipped via Kazakhstan to Russia. This period was characterized by price advantages and rapid market positioning.
Phase 2 (2024-2025): Channel and service network construction. Brands including Chery, BYD, and Great Wall established dealer networks in Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan, set up parts warehousing centers, and achieved parts availability rates above 90%.
Phase 3 (From 2026): Localization manufacturing implementation. Geely's Almaty plant, Chery's cooperation with Astana Motors, and JAC's Tashkent joint venture project have launched successively, marking Chinese automakers' formal entry into a new phase of "local manufacturing + supply chain export."
Industrial Chain Linkage Effects
The establishment of the Almaty plant will generate significant industrial chain linkage effects. According to project plans, the plant will prioritize localization of the four major processes — stamping, welding, painting, and final assembly — and gradually advance local sourcing of core components such as engines and transmissions.
The construction of the China-Kyrgyzstan-Uzbekistan railway will further strengthen this layout. Expected to be completed in 2026, this railway will reduce freight time from the current 15-25 days to 7-10 days between China's Xinjiang Kashgar and Uzbekistan's Andijan via Kyrgyzstan, reducing logistics costs by approximately 30%. The synergy between the railway and automotive industrial park will create an efficient supply chain network covering Central Asia.
Opportunities for Exporters
For Chinese automotive exporters and cross-border traders, Geely's localization strategy sends a clear signal: the Central Asian market is transitioning from "opportunistic export" to "strategic layout." EX1000.COM recommends focusing on the following opportunities:
- Parts supply chain: Local assembly plants require substantial parts support. Chinese automotive parts enterprises can enter through joint ventures or wholly-owned operations.
- Used vehicle replacement: As new vehicle ownership increases, used vehicle circulation and replacement business will experience growth.
- Financial services: Demand for auto consumer credit, insurance, and extended warranty services will expand simultaneously.
