Collaborative Opportunities Emerge from Kazakhstan and US Investment Roundtable
Kazakh and United States (U.S.) officials and business leaders came together on June 7 for the U.S.-Kazakhstan Investment Roundtable in Astana. The meeting allowed the two countries to explore new investment opportunities and prospects for cooperation. During the roundtable, Kazakh Minister of National Economy Alibek Kuantyrov highlighted the strong cooperation between Kazakhstan and major U.S. companies, as well as the growth of U.S. investments and companies in Kazakhstan. The Minister emphasized that Kazakhstan is committed to enhancing strategic partnerships with the U.S. across all areas of their relations.
Last year, Kazakhstan attracted a record amount of foreign direct investment, totaling $28 billion. This commitment to international investment norms, including as part of the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD), allows Kazakhstan to be recognized as a reliable trading and economic partner by foreign investors.
Meirzhan Yussupov, Chairman of Kazakh Invest, stressed the country’s investment attractiveness, which is due to its access to major markets, abundant natural resources, business-friendly environment, qualified and educated workforce, and comprehensive state support. He also highlighted various prospective projects in oil and gas, agriculture, machinery building, ICT industry, renewable energy, healthcare, and mining and metallurgy areas.
Khush Choksy, Senior Vice President of the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, highlighted the significant opportunities for the two countries to expand their cooperation in the agricultural sector. In his view, the U.S. companies can bring innovation and technology to Kazakhstan. Choksy suggested that considering the situation on the global market, the energy and food tariffs will increase, and these are areas that need growth with companies.
David De Falco, Deputy Assistant Secretary of Commerce for Europe and Eurasia at the U.S. Department of Commerce, emphasized the importance of Kazakh reforms serving as a model for other countries in the region. He added that through various programs, the two countries are working to create an inclusive environment that will increase the standard of living for their citizens.
U.S. business representatives expressed their willingness to expand collaboration with Kazakhstan and to find new opportunities for further investment development.
