Lawrence Ho meets Kazakh Premier as Alatau Project draws global tourism investment

Lawrence Ho, Melco Resorts & Entertainment chairman and chief executive, recently met Kazakhstan’s Prime Minister Olzhas Bektenov to discuss potential tourism investments, as the Central Asian country steps up efforts to position itself as a regional travel and investment hub.

According to the Kazakh government’s press service, the talks focused on cooperation in tourism infrastructure and opportunities for foreign participation in large-scale projects, particularly the planned city of Alatau.

Ho was joined by Melco executive vice president and chief financial officer Geoff Davis.

Kazakhstan is placing tourism at the center of its economic diversification strategy, with Alatau City serving as a flagship project. Located north of Almaty, the development is envisioned as a “future city” integrating leisure, business, and cultural offerings.

At the heart of the plan is the Green District, a major tourism and recreation zone expected to include hotels, entertainment complexes, restaurants, and waterfront developments centered on the Kapchagay Reservoir, alongside wellness and outdoor facilities.

Against this backdrop, Melco is among the international operators exploring opportunities in the project and is understood to be assessing potential integrated resort developments within the Green District.

Legal Reforms and Gaming Expansion

To further support investment, Kazakhstan will implement a new legal framework for Alatau from July 1, 2026. Officials say the constitutional law will introduce transparent mechanisms for investor engagement, ensure stable long-term conditions, and strengthen protections for foreign capital.

The government has also emphasized that the project is receiving close attention at the highest levels.

At the same time, the country is expanding its regulated gambling sector to attract high-spending tourists. Amendments to existing legislation will allow new gaming zones in several regions, including the Caspian Sea coast and areas near Lake Alakol.

Deputy Minister of Tourism and Sports Baurzhan Rapikov said the initiative is expected to generate significant economic benefits.

“The expected economic impact includes around 500 jobs per casino, annual tax revenues of KZT2 billion to KZT4 billion (USD4.2 million to $8.4 million), and an increase in the number of gambling tourists from the current 100,000 to 200,000,” he said.

Trade ties with China deepen

Kazakhstan is seeking to expand its economic partnership with China. Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of National Economy Serik Zhumangarin said both countries aim to increase bilateral trade to $100 billion in the coming years, nearly doubling projected 2026 levels.

Speaking after talks with Chinese Vice Premier Ding Xuexiang on the sidelines of the 9th China-Eurasia Expo in Urumqi, Zhumangarin said discussions focused on joint investment projects, transport and logistics infrastructure, and broader trade cooperation.

Bilateral trade reached a record $48.7 billion in 2025, while trade in the first five months of 2026 rose 27% year-on-year to $22 billion. Officials expect the total to exceed $50 billion by year’s end, with more than half linked to China’s Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region.

“Our main task is to achieve $100 billion in mutual trade in the near future. To do this, we need to accelerate the approval of the Kazakhstan-China Trade and Economic Cooperation Program and Roadmap for 2027–2030,” Zhumangarin said.

He added that China has invested about $30 billion in Kazakhstan since independence, making it one of the country’s largest foreign investors.