Milan Forum Kicks Off Kazakhstan’s First Trade and Economic Mission
Kazakh Companies Launch First Trade Mission to Italy at Business and Investment Forum
The Kazakh-Italian business and investment forum, taking place on Oct. 7-9 in Milan, marked the beginning of the first trade and economic mission of Kazakh companies to Italy. More than 50 Kazakh enterprises, representing various sectors including agriculture, oilfield services, textiles, tourism, and IT, participated in the mission.
Organized by the Embassy of Kazakhstan in Italy, the Ministry of Trade, and the Italian-Kazakh Trade Association (ACIK) in collaboration with the Lombardy Region, the primary objective of the event is to establish a platform for dialogue to facilitate trade and investment between the two nations while expanding existing economic partnerships.
During the forum, eight agreements were signed across sectors such as energy, aviation, healthcare, and manufacturing, reflecting the mutual interest in strengthening trade and investment ties between Kazakhstan and Italy. One significant agreement was a memorandum of institutional cooperation between QazTrade Trade Policy Development Center and Confapi, an association of Italian small and medium-sized companies, aimed at supporting joint ventures.
In the energy and aviation sector, KazMunayGas Aero signed agreements with Maire for sustainable aviation fuel production and use, as well as with NEOS Airlines for a steady supply of jet fuel at Astana’s airport. Other agreements covered healthcare projects, manufacturing capabilities, and collaboration with Italian companies to enhance local production and infrastructure.
Kazakh Trade Minister Arman Shakkaliyev highlighted Italy’s position as one of Kazakhstan’s top three trade partners in the EU and emphasized the Made with Italy concept to boost joint venture products in international markets. The creation of excellence centers for European quality standards to facilitate the entry of Kazakh products into EU and Italian markets was also discussed.
Italy’s Deputy Minister for Enterprise and Made in Italy, Valentino Valentini, expressed support for joint projects that would stimulate the development of small and medium-sized businesses in both countries. Opportunities in the tourism sector were also explored, with discussions on increased tourism exchange and the potential for direct flights between Astana and Milan.
The forum showcased the Road to Kazakhstan project, aiming to highlight Kazakhstan’s tourism and economic potential through infrastructure development and improved logistics. President of the Italian-Kazakh Trade Association Marco Beretta emphasized the significance of the forum in creating added value and fostering partnerships between Kazakhstan and Italy.
This forum follows agreements made after President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev’s official visit to Italy in January. It will continue with B2B meetings and side events to strengthen economic ties and explore new cooperation opportunities between Kazakhstan and Italy.
