In a move aimed at bolstering bilateral relations and advancing Kazakh interests globally, the Minister of Industry and Construction of Kazakhstan, Kanat Sharlapaev, has embarked on a working visit to the United States of America, the Ministry of Industry and Construction reported.
The focal point of the Minister's agenda revolves around discussions with key figures in American politics and business. Central to these talks is the exploration of avenues for deepening collaboration in geology, mining, energy, and environmental sectors.
Sharlapaev is slated to engage with representatives from prominent American entities, including the Deputy Chief Executive Officer of the U.S. International Development Finance Corporation (DFC), Nisha Biswal, as well as members of the U.S.-Kazakhstan Business Council (USKZBC) and the U.S. Geological Survey. The deliberations aim to explore potential partnerships and investment opportunities within Kazakhstan's economy.
Of particular interest are discussions surrounding critical minerals, with Kazakhstan offering strategic cooperation to the U.S., including the supply of aluminum, scandium, and gallium. Additionally, Kazakhstan presents opportunities for tolling services utilizing existing capacities and ventures in the exploration and production of tungsten, cobalt, lithium, titanium, and other valuable minerals. Key topics include negotiating volumes, long-term contracts, and mechanisms to support investments in this vital sector.
Kazakhstan currently produces and processes 17 of the 50 types of critical minerals listed by the U.S. Cooperation between the two nations has already been fruitful, particularly in the supply of titanium, beryllium, tantalum, and niobium. Kazakhstani beryllium and tantalum products are utilized by prominent American entities such as American Transport Technologies, IBC U.S. Holdings, and Tosoh SMD.
This visit underscores Kazakhstan's commitment to international dialogue and its proactive stance in collaborating with the global community to achieve mutual industrial and geological exploration objectives.
Kazakhstan and U.S. relations
Since Kazakhstan gained independence in 1991, the United States has been its steadfast ally, offering support in both security and economic advancement. Initially, the United States demonstrated its recognition of Kazakhstan's sovereignty by becoming the first nation to acknowledge it. The American Embassy was established in Almaty in January 1992 and later relocated to Astana in 2006. Additionally, a Consulate General was inaugurated in Almaty in 2009. Over the years following Kazakhstan's independence, the relationship between the two countries has flourished significantly, encompassing various sectors. This robust and extensive bilateral rapport has been officially acknowledged as an enhanced strategic partnership since 2018.
Kazakhstan ranks as the United States' 81st largest trading partner, boasting a total of $2.5bn in bilateral trade in the year 2021. American companies have poured substantial investments, amounting to tens of billions of dollars, into Kazakhstan, primarily focusing on the oil and gas industry. While Kazakhstan has shown some improvement in fostering an attractive investment environment, significant challenges persist, notably corruption and inconsistencies in law enforcement and contract implementation.
The assistance provided by the U.S. government to Kazakhstan is centered on addressing transnational challenges such as human trafficking, drug trafficking, terrorism, and the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction materials. Additionally, it aims to bolster the development of Kazakhstan's judicial system and law enforcement agencies, encourage greater involvement of civil society and media in public affairs, enhance the investment and trade climate, aid in the delivery of effective social services by the government, combat corruption and cybercrime, and support Kazakhstan's endeavors to expand its production of affordable and sustainable clean energy.
Follow Daryo's official Instagram and Twitter pages to keep current on world news.
Comments (0)