The European Union remains Kazakhstan’s largest trade and investment partner, with EU countries contributing over $200bn in foreign direct investment (FDI) from 2005 to 2024—47.8% of Kazakhstan’s total FDI. In 2024, mutual trade turnover surged by 17%, nearing $50bn.
Recently, Prime Minister of Kazakhstan Olzhas Bektenov and Chargé d'Affaires of the EU Delegation to Kazakhstan Johannes Baur led the 16th meeting of the Kazakhstan-EU Dialogue Platform, bringing together EU diplomats and executives from leading European industrial firms. The discussions focused on enhancing trade, investment, and regulatory cooperation.
Speaking at the event, Bektenov highlighted the government’s ongoing efforts to improve the investment climate and facilitate economic growth. Kazakhstan is implementing the Investment Policy Concept until 2029, aimed at doubling GDP through a new investment cycle.
"Today, the European Union accounts for more than a third of Kazakhstan’s foreign trade and half of its foreign investments. We aim to further expand and diversify our exports to Europe," Bektenov stated.
To streamline business processes, Kazakhstan has launched the National Digital Investment Platform, along with minerals.gov.kz and e-qazyna.kz, which enhance transparency in licensing and investment procedures. The government is also working on legislative reforms to prioritize raw material processing and high-value production.
Johannes Baur emphasized that the Strategic Partnership Roadmap for 2025-2026 is under development, with a focus on digitalization and geodata management.
Several EU diplomats underscored the need for closer collaboration in trade, science, and industrial cooperation. Contributions came from German Ambassador Monika Iversen, French Ambassador Sylvain Guiguet, and Polish Chargé d'Affaires Michal Rafal Labenda.
Additionally, European business executives announced new initiatives in Kazakhstan’s mining sector. Andres Blanco, CEO of Spain’s Xcalibur Multiphysics, outlined geophysical mapping projects. Kamil Alyautdinov, Vice President for Central Asia at Finland’s Metso, discussed industrial equipment supplies. Kamshat Galiyeva, Regional General Manager for Central Asia at Sweden’s Epiroc, highlighted solutions for mining and resource extraction.
Kazakhstani officials from the ministries of industry, construction, ecology, and higher education participated in discussions on economic reforms and investment incentives.
Bektenov raised concerns over visa restrictions affecting Kazakhstani businesses, particularly freight forwarders facing delays and limited appointment slots at visa centers in Lithuania, Germany, and Poland. He also highlighted bureaucratic hurdles related to transportation permits, urging the EU to ease these obstacles.
"Additional obstacles are created by the requirement for original forms of permits for international transportation. These restrictions create additional barriers for Kazakhstani companies and affect the development of bilateral economic ties with the EU," he stated.
The meeting concluded with both sides reaffirming their commitment to strengthening economic ties, boosting trade and investment, and advancing joint initiatives.
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