ASTANA, Kazakhstan, May 12. Deputy Foreign
Minister of Kazakhstan Alibek Kuantyrov and UK Trade Commissioner
for Eastern Europe and Central Asia David Reed discussed prospects
for further strengthening Kazakh-British trade, economic, and
investment cooperation, Trend reports via the Kazakh MFA.
During the meeting in Astana, the sides also discussed priority
issues on the agenda of the upcoming session of the
Intergovernmental Commission on Trade-Economic,
Scientific-Technical and Cultural Cooperation.
The parties noted the positive dynamics in bilateral trade and
emphasized the significant potential for further growth. In this
context, Kazakhstan was highlighted as the UK's largest trading
partner in Central Asia.
Special attention was paid to expanding investment cooperation
in critical minerals, energy, infrastructure, transport and
logistics, financial services, digitalization, artificial
intelligence, and education.
The sides also highlighted the potential for cooperation in
developing the Trans-Caspian International Transport Route, taking
into account Kazakhstan’s strategic location and its role in
ensuring sustainable supply chains between Europe and Asia.
In addition, the parties discussed opportunities to attract
British expertise and financial instruments for the implementation
of infrastructure, energy, and industrial projects in
Kazakhstan.
The officials noted that the ratified Strategic Partnership and
Cooperation Agreement would create favorable conditions for
advancing mutually beneficial projects, expanding institutional
cooperation and implementing agreements reached in key areas of the
bilateral agenda.
The meeting also highlighted growing humanitarian and
educational cooperation, including the expansion of the presence of
British universities in Kazakhstan. The sides stressed that
education, workforce training, and the development of an innovation
ecosystem are important elements of long-term economic
partnership.
Following the talks, the parties reaffirmed their commitment to
further deepening the Kazakh-British strategic partnership,
expanding bilateral trade, and implementing joint agreements.
