The 16th meeting of the Kazakhstan-German Business Council convened in Astana, bringing together high-level government officials and business leaders to discuss the current state and future prospects of economic cooperation between the two countries. The event was attended by First Deputy Prime Minister of Kazakhstan Roman Sklyar, alongside representatives from key ministries, Baiterek National Managing Holding, and leading Kazakh businesses.
In his opening address, Sklyar emphasized the growing relevance and effectiveness of the business council platform.
“Our platform is in high demand and has proven to be very effective. Meetings like this allow both sides to align their agendas, identify pressing issues, and discuss concrete plans to deepen cooperation between the business communities of our two countries,” Sklyar said. “It is encouraging to see the circle of participants continuously expanding and the agenda becoming increasingly practical.”
Rustam Karagoishin, Chairman of the Board of Baiterek Holding, highlighted the strategic importance of the partnership, noting that Germany remains Kazakhstan’s largest trading partner within the European Union.
“Kazakhstan ranks 43rd among Germany’s external trade partners in 2024 and accounts for 83% of Germany’s total trade with Central Asia,” Karagoishin noted. “Kazakh-German relations are essential in strengthening economic and political ties between Central Asia and Europe.”
The cooperation is backed by robust investment activity, with successful joint projects in solar energy, cement and machinery manufacturing, geological exploration, and more. German companies such as Linde, Heidelberg Materials, CLAAS, Horsch, WIKA, and Zollmann are active participants in these initiatives.
Kazakhstan considers Germany a strategic partner in advancing its national priorities across key sectors including manufacturing, logistics, metallurgy, the chemical industry, and agriculture. Particular attention is being given to areas involving high-tech development and sustainable energy solutions.
Baiterek Holding reaffirmed its readiness to support bilateral projects through financial instruments such as co-investment schemes and guarantee mechanisms, facilitating long-term cooperation with German partners.
Several cooperation agreements and memorandums were signed during the event, including:
- A cooperation agreement between Zhezkazganredmet and DAR Metall AG,
- A term sheet between the Development Bank of Kazakhstan and KfW Development Bank,
- Memorandums of understanding between Baiterek Holding and KfW Development Bank, and
- Kazakhstan Petrochemical Industries Inc. and IMI zimmermann & jansen technologies gmbh.
Michael Harms, Managing Director of the German Eastern Business Association, commended Kazakhstan’s commitment to economic reforms and a stable investment climate.
“German companies see great potential in cooperation with Kazakhstan and are ready to expand their presence in priority sectors — from raw materials processing to high-tech engineering,” he said.
The council meeting featured panel discussions on investment opportunities, project financing, and industrial cooperation. Notable German speakers included Per Brodersen, Director General of the German Agribusiness Alliance, and representatives from KfW Banking Group, ODDO BHF SE, AKA Bank, and others.
From the Kazakh side, participants included Vice Minister of Industry and Construction Olzhas Saparbekov, Chairman of the Union of Mechanical Engineers Meiram Pshembayev, and Ambassador to Germany Nurlan Onzhanov.
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