Global News Brief: Overview of Kazakhstan's Expanding Influence in International Energy Businesses, Academic Leadership in the Region, and Other Key Points
Kazakhstan's Airport Upgrades and Strategic Shifts Attract Global Attention
Kazakhstan, the largest country in Central Asia, is making significant strides in modernizing its air transport infrastructure and positioning itself as a regional academic hub. In 2024, three new passenger terminals were opened at the airports of Almaty, Shymkent, and Kyzylorda, a move expected to expand capacity, increase air routes, and stimulate growth in passenger traffic.
This strategic development is part of Kazakhstan's broader ambition to establish itself as a leader in the region and a key player in global energy markets. With around 30,000 international students currently studying in the country, Kazakhstan is also making its mark as an academic hub. This was showcased at the Bett Show in the UK, where Kazakhstan's national pavilion highlighted its development in this area.
Kazakhstan's strategic value is not limited to its supply of energy and critical minerals. It is also its position as a transit and economic hub connecting Central Asia, Europe, and South Asia. This makes it an attractive partner for Southeast Asia, offering new trade routes and market access opportunities.
Southeast Asia may consider engaging with Kazakhstan strategically due to its growing importance in global geopolitics and economics. Key reasons include Kazakhstan’s development of transport infrastructure linking Asia with Europe and South Asia, its multi-vector foreign policy and economic pragmatism, growing bilateral economic ties in key sectors such as energy, agriculture, and technology, Kazakhstan’s role in regional energy diplomacy and growing autonomy, and its involvement in broader regional connectivity and trade networks.
Kazakhstan is also a recognized "middle power" and is considered a key partner for Europe in energy security and critical minerals. Its strategic diversification of oil exports and commitment to cleaner energy sources further enhance its appeal as a partner.
The Caspian Pipeline Consortium, which transported approximately 64.4 million tons of oil from Kazakhstan in 2024, is a testament to Kazakhstan's significant oil production. Nearly 88 million tons of oil were produced by Kazakhstan in 2024, most of which was exported through the Caspian Pipeline Consortium.
In a shifting geopolitical landscape, engagement with Kazakhstan could diversify trade and transit pathways, forge partnerships in energy and technology, and integrate with Central Asian markets. This makes Kazakhstan an attractive partner for Southeast Asia’s long-term strategic economic and diplomatic interests.
The Bett Show, a leading global event in the field of education, further underscores Kazakhstan's commitment to education and academic development. As Kazakhstan continues to modernize its air transport infrastructure and develop its academic hub, it is poised to play a significant role in the region and beyond.
[1] Source: Fulcrum, January 17 [2] Source: Fulcrum, January 17 [3] Source: Fulcrum, January 17 [4] Source: European Financial Review, January 21 [5] Source: European Financial Review, January 21
- In its pursuit to become a regional leader, Kazakhstan is not only focusing on energy and transport infrastructure but also on academic development, indicative of a broader initiative to stimulate growth in various sectors, including sports.
- As Kazakhstan continues to expand connecting Asia with Europe and South Asia, it presents Southeast Asia with an opportunity to engage in sports diplomacy, given the country's growing recognition and academic development in various fields.
