President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev highlighted the strong relationship between Kazakhstan and Germany, Europe’s largest economy. He pointed to the significant increase in trade and investment in recent years, with bilateral trade turnover rising by 41% and German direct investment reaching a record high.
President Tokayev emphasized several promising areas for further collaboration. These include:
- Natural Resources: Kazakhstan boasts vast untapped mineral resources and welcomes German investment in extraction and processing technologies.
- Energy: With rich oil reserves and ambitions in renewable energy like “green” hydrogen production, Kazakhstan seeks to be a reliable energy supplier to Europe.
- Logistics: Kazakhstan’s strategic location makes it a key trade hub between East and West. The country is looking to connect its Middle Corridor trade route with European networks.
- Pharmaceuticals: Kazakhstan aims to increase domestic medicine and equipment production, presenting opportunities for German companies.
- Agriculture: As a major grain exporter, Kazakhstan seeks German partnership to modernize its agricultural sector with advanced technology.
- Information Technology: Kazakhstan aspires to be a leading IT center in Eurasia and invites German collaboration in research, startups, and artificial intelligence projects.
The Astana International Financial Center was presented as a hub for German companies seeking investment opportunities in Kazakhstan. The center offers competitive tax rates, visa policies, and legal frameworks.
The forum concluded with the signing of several agreements between Kazakh and German entities, covering areas like technical regulations, green hydrogen research, environmental protection, infrastructure projects, and agricultural technology.
