Belgium Establishes Honorary Consulate and Benelux Chamber Office in Aktau
Honorary Consulate of Belgium and Benelux Chamber of Commerce Open in Aktau, Kazakhstan
The Honorary Consulate of Belgium and the representative office of the Benelux Chamber of Commerce officially opened on April 17 in Aktau, Kazakhstan. This marks a significant milestone in strengthening trade, economic, investment, and diplomatic ties between Belgium and Kazakhstan, as reported by the Benelux press service.
Belgian Ambassador to Kazakhstan Henri Vantieghem emphasized the importance of the Trans-Caspian International Transport Route (TITR) and Belgium’s contribution to its development. Jan De Nul, a Belgian company known for marine construction, completed work on deepening the bottom of the Caspian Sea at the port of Kuryk last year. This project is expected to enhance cargo transportation in the region.
Deputy Governor of the Mangystau Region Abbat Urisbayev welcomed the opening of the EU’s first consulate in the region. He highlighted the high investment potential of the Benelux countries, which are among Kazakhstan’s top investors. Urisbayev encouraged members of the Chamber to expand their economic presence in the region.
Murtaza Arifov, the founder of ARTEX Holding, was introduced as the Honorary Consul. Arifov pledged to promote investment in key sectors such as energy, alternative energy sources, water, healthcare, agriculture, as well as educational and social projects. He also plans to visit Atyrau, Aktobe, and West Kazakhstan regions to discuss new investment and infrastructure projects.
Denis Van den Weghe, President of the Benelux Chamber in Kazakhstan, highlighted the Chamber’s focus on attracting foreign direct investment, supporting Kazakh exports, and facilitating market access in Europe.
The opening of the new consulate and Chamber office is expected to enhance direct ties between the business communities of the two countries. It will also create opportunities for joint projects, as well as promote trade and economic cooperation between Belgium and Kazakhstan.
