Global News Overview: Overseas Press Coverage on Kazakhstan's Increasing Influence in World Energy Market, Position as Academic Powerhouse in the Region, and Other Significant Details
In the bustling heart of London, Kazakhstan made its debut at the Bett Show, a leading global education event, from January 22 to 24, 2023. The central theme of Kazakhstan's pavilion was to showcase the country's development as a regional academic hub.
Aside from education, Kazakhstan is also positioning itself as a strategic partner for Southeast Asia and the West. This is primarily due to its role as a key transit and energy hub, linking Central Asia with Europe and West Asia.
Kazakhstan, the largest country in Central Asia, is proactively seeking to establish itself as the leader in the region by proposing several multilateral initiatives. The country produced nearly 88 million tons of oil in 2024, with most of it exported through the Caspian Pipeline Consortium (CPC).
One of the strategic reasons for Southeast Asia's engagement with Kazakhstan is the enhancement of transport infrastructure. Kazakhstan is working on modernizing roads and connections to the Trans-Caspian Sea Transit Corridor, which links Kazakhstan with Azerbaijan, Europe, and further to China and Southeast Asia. This creates direct trade and logistics advantages for Southeast Asian economies seeking faster, diversified routes to these markets.
Energy collaboration and export diversification are another key strategic reasons. Kazakhstan's vast energy resources and strategic partnerships to transport oil through safe and alternative routes, such as via Türkiye and the Baku–Tbilisi–Ceyhan pipeline, appeal to Southeast Asia’s energy needs and ambitions for sustainable energy. This cooperation helps diversify Kazakhstan’s export routes and provides Southeast Asia access to Central Asian energy supplies.
Southeast Asia, especially Indonesia, is expanding trade and investment ties with Kazakhstan in critical sectors like subsoil use, energy, and infrastructure development. Trade turnover is increasing with growing Indonesian interest in Kazakh markets, fostering stronger direct business links.
Kazakhstan's participation in Central Asia Regional Economic Cooperation (CAREC) corridors and cooperation with neighbours like Afghanistan for improved transit routes broadens the network through which Southeast Asia can access Central Asian and Eurasian markets, thus enhancing regional integration and economic diversification.
Beyond just trade and transport, there is growing interest in financial engagement, legislative support, and development of financial centers, as evidenced by Kazakhstan-Vietnam cooperation efforts, further deepening the partnership potential with Southeast Asia.
An article published by The Interpreter on January 22 argues that Central Asia, especially Kazakhstan, should become a strategic focus for the West. The same sentiment is echoed in an article published on January 17 by Fulcrum, suggesting that Kazakhstan is a strategic partner for ASEAN, offering economic, political, and security opportunities.
Kazakhstan is not only a key player in traditional energy sectors but is also diversifying its oil exports and committing to transitioning to cleaner energy sources, positioning the country as a key player in both traditional and green energy sectors. The country is contributing to global energy security and supply chains, as discussed in an article published on January 21 by the European Financial Review.
With around 30,000 international students currently studying in Kazakhstan, the country is not only a hub for energy and trade but also for education. The modernization of air transport infrastructure in 2024, opening three new passenger terminals at the airports of Almaty, Shymkent, and Kyzylorda, is expected to expand the capacity of these airports, increase the number of air routes, and stimulate growth in passenger traffic.
Collectively, these factors provide Southeast Asian countries with strategic opportunities to diversify trade routes, enhance energy security, access new markets, and build infrastructure partnerships that connect their economies more effectively to Central Asia, Europe, and beyond. This makes Kazakhstan a promising partner for Southeast Asia’s long-term economic and geopolitical strategy.
Contending in various sectors, Kazakhstan is not only a hub for education but also a key player in sports, as demonstrated by the country's participation in the Winter Olympics and the foundation of the Kazakhstan Premier League in 2003.
Beyond energy, trade, and education, Kazakhstan's dynamic sports scene presents further avenues for collaboration with Southeast Asian countries, nurturing stronger cultural ties and fostering a broader partnership potential.
