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Kazakhstan and China plan to integrate their QR payment systems by the end of 2026. The project will enable cross-border payments for individuals and businesses, according to the National Bank of Kazakhstan.
The integration is being developed by the National Payment Corporation of Kazakhstan and UnionPay International.
Payment systems to be connected to the UnionPay network
Kazakhstan’s interbank QR payment service will be connected to UnionPay’s international network. Users will be able to pay for goods and services by scanning QR codes with supported mobile apps.
The project is based on a memorandum signed by the National Payment Corporation and UnionPay International in June 2026. The list of participating banks and apps will be announced later.
Interbank QR payments are already available in Kazakhstan
The interbank QR payment system was launched nationwide on 19 July 2026. All banks providing retail services through mobile apps are connected to the system.
Customers can pay for goods and services regardless of which banks they and the merchants use. Businesses need only one QR code to accept payments from customers of participating banks. No new equipment is required, as the service works with existing terminals.
Digital currencies to be tested in cross-border settlements
The National Bank of Kazakhstan and the People’s Bank of China also agreed to launch a pilot project using the digital tenge and digital yuan. The timeline and terms of the pilot have not yet been disclosed.
The two sides also signed a three-year currency swap agreement with an option to extend it. The agreement will give the central banks access to liquidity in their national currencies and support their wider use in bilateral settlements.
Kazakhstan to expand cooperation with CIPS
The National Bank of Kazakhstan, the National Payment Corporation, and China’s Cross-Border Interbank Payment System are discussing the further development of international settlements. The cooperation is expected to simplify payment processing for banks and expand the use of national currencies.
The parties also discussed the involvement of Chinese banks in financing projects in Kazakhstan and developing the financial ecosystem of Alatau City.