Sizzling Updates on Kazakhstan's Interactions with the Global Community 🔥
Foreign Media Discussions on New Investor Visa, Critical Mineral Investments, European Relationships, and Beyond
Welcome to our exploration of Kazakhstan's dynamic relationships across the globe! This week, we're diving into exciting developments in energy, trade, and international engagement. Let's get started!
Europe's Eager Embrace of Central Asia 🇪🇺
In a thought-provoking piece for The National Interest, experts have shed light on the EU's growing interest in Central Asia, with a special focus on Kazakhstan. Highlighting the recent EU-Central Asia Summit, the article emphasizes that beyond raw materials and trade routes, Central Asia represents a strategic region that's quickly gaining importance.
Did you know that Kazakhstan stands out as the EU's leading partner in Central Asia? In 2024, bilateral trade between the EU and Kazakhstan hit an astounding $50 billion, with EU investments surpassing $200 billion. Kazakhstan accounts for 80% of the EU's trade with Central Asia and more than 40% of total European FDI into the region.
President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev spoke at the summit, stressing Kazakhstan's readiness to boost exports to the EU across 175 commodity categories worth over $2 billion. He also emphasized Kazakhstan's ambition to become a key transit hub connecting East and West, a prime focus of EU-Central Asia engagement.
Oil Shipments on the Rise via Mediterranean and Caspian Routes 🚢
According to Trend's recent report, there's been a significant increase in the volume of Kazakh oil transported by sea over the past year. This growth is largely due to increased exports from the Port of Ceyhan and expanded activity along the Aktau-Makhachkala and Aktau-Baku routes in the Caspian Sea. Surprisingly, oil transportation via the Black Sea saw a slight decline, while volumes through the Caspian Sea rose sharply compared to the previous year.
Kazakhstan and Afghanistan Strengthen Trade Ties with $140 Million in Deals 💼
Caspian News reported on April 27 that Kazakhstan and Afghanistan are strengthening their economic partnership through new trade agreements and ambitious infrastructure plans. The agreements, finalized during a recent business forum in Kabul, include the supply of various Kazakh goods to Afghanistan. The forum brought together over 400 business leaders, entrepreneurs, and government officials from both countries.
Investor Visa Initiative to Attract Foreign Capital 💽
Kazakhstan is taking a significant step toward fostering international business by introducing a new investor visa aimed at attracting foreign capital and supporting long-term business partnerships. According to an EU Reporter article, foreign nationals who invest a minimum of $300,000 in the charter capital of Kazakh companies or in local publicly traded securities can submit an electronic application for an investor visa, potentially offering a residence permit in Kazakhstan for up to 10 years.
The Drive for International Mining Research Partnerships 🏗️
Mining Technology published an article on April 29, emphasizing Kazakhstan's efforts to position itself as a key player in the global critical minerals supply chain, particularly in battery materials. The article highlights Kazakhstan's partnership with Japan on a cutting-edge mining research project set to run until 2030. The joint project, supported by a $3.2 million grant, aims to modernize mining through smart technologies and knowledge exchange.
60,000 Tons of Wheat Headed to Morocco via the Baltic Sea Corridor 🌾
Morocco World News reported on May 1 that Kazakhstan is spearheading a massive logistical operation to ship 60,000 tons of wheat to Morocco via an extensive rail and sea route. Seventeen trains full of wheat have been assembled at the Zhana-Yessil station and Sarykol station, and they will traverse Latvian territory before reaching the Baltic Sea port of Liepāja. From there, the grain will be transferred to merchant vessels bound for the Moroccan coast.
Stay tuned for more fascinating insights into Kazakhstan's international engagements! 🌏
- In a bid to further integrate with the global market, Kazakhstan is prioritizing the export of wheat to regions like Morocco, with 60,000 tons scheduled to be shipped via the Baltic Sea Corridor.
- Amidst the increasing focus on sports diplomacy, Kazakhstan and Afghanistan are strengthening their ties through trade agreements and infrastructure plans, with Business leaders from both nations coming together for a recent forum in Kabul.
- As part of its strategy to boost its status in the energy sector, Kazakhstan has been integrating its oil transportation network, experiencing a significant increase in the volume of oil transported via Mediterranean, Caspian, and Black Sea routes over the past year.
