UK Identifies Promising Areas for Partnership with Kazakhstan
UK’s Minister of Industry and Economic Security Optimistic about Future Economic Ties with Kazakhstan
Nusrat Ghani, the Minister of Industry and Economic Security of the United Kingdom (U.K.), expressed optimism about future opportunities to strengthen economic ties and foster mutually beneficial partnerships during a press meeting in Almaty on Nov. 20. The meeting was reported by Forbes.kz.
Ghani’s broad portfolio includes critical minerals, automotive, marine, and aerospace industries, which are key areas for Kazakhstan’s development. She noted the U.K.’s longstanding position as one of the top six investors in Kazakhstan, highlighting the growing presence of British small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and universities in the country.
Emphasizing the need for confidence in the future, stability, and transparency to attract investors, Ghani underscored the innovation and social responsibility British businesses bring to Kazakhstan, particularly in the mining sector.
She stressed the U.K.’s commitment to achieving net zero emissions and support for developing economies, which align with Kazakhstan’s strategy for carbon neutrality. Additionally, she suggested that Kazakhstan, in collaboration with global development banks, can engage with the Green Climate Fund to participate in other international climate programs, attracting private investment in energy, water supply, and other infrastructure as part of the transition to a green economy.
Ghani also mentioned a memorandum of understanding (MoU) signed to expand cooperation in critical minerals, conveying the U.K.’s support for increased collaboration between geological services. She revealed that the U.K. has partners studying technology partnerships in localized mineral processing with Kazakh companies.
The minister expressed hope for Kazakhstan to consider joining the U.K.-led Water Tracker program. She also acknowledged the increasing number of Kazakh tourists to the U.K. and assured that regular reviews of the visa regime will be conducted to streamline the process.
Ghani expressed her commitment to further strengthening ties with Kazakhstan, placing the country among her personal priorities. As part of her visit to Almaty, the minister also visited the Kazakh-British Technical University (KBTU) with the British Ambassador to Kazakhstan, Kathy Leach. The officials and the university’s executives discussed cooperation in the field of education, double degree programs with the University of London, and scientific and technological research.
