The role of Chinese investments in the oil and gas sector in the development of the economy of Western Kazakhstan

Background: Western Kazakhstan, endowed with natural resources, cultural heritage, tourism resorts, and geopolitical advantages, plays a critical role in Kazakhstan’s economic development. Entrepreneurship is considered one of the most important factors to facilitate economic growth and development.

Purpose of the research: This study aims to explore the role of entrepreneurship with Chinese investment in oil and gas sector in boosting the regional economy of western Kazakhstan, hence further benefiting the national economy.

Methodology: This study employs qualitive secondary analysis method that uses existing data to examine the link between opportunity-driven and innovation-oriented entrepreneurship versus economic growth in western Kazakhstan.

Findings: The research finds that Chinese entrepreneurship in oil and gas sector is an essential driving force for the regional economic growth. The proposed growth model can be applied as a paradigm for economic development in other business sectors in Kazakhstan.

Originality/value of the research: The growth model is constructed to explain how entrepreneurship with Chinese investment in a specific sector in a region facilitates the local economy. The economic assessment model integrated in this paper serves as another contribution to the generic research on economic growth.

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