BAKU, Azerbaijan, October 13. Kazakh President
Kassym-Jomart Tokayev has invited Belgian companies to pursue joint
projects in raw material processing, the chemical industry and the
production of high-value-added polymer products, the president's
press service reported.


Tokayev made the statement at the fourth meeting of the
Kazakhstan-Belgium Business Council, attended by King Philippe of
Belgium.


"Kazakhstan is a reliable supplier of oil to European markets.
At the same time, there is significant potential for cooperation in
renewable energy, improving energy efficiency, industrial
decarbonization and hydrogen production. I invite Belgian companies
to implement joint projects in deep raw material processing, the
chemical industry and the production of high-value-added polymer
products," Tokayev said.


He also highlighted opportunities for industrial cooperation in
critical minerals, driven by the energy transition and the
development of the digital economy. The president welcomed the
Kazakhstan-Belgium roundtable on critical minerals held during the
Belgian king's state visit.


"Our country already produces 21 of the 34 raw materials
considered critical for European industry and also supplies
titanium and molybdenum products to Belgium. By combining our
resource potential with Belgian investment, technology and
expertise, we can establish a strategic partnership in this
important area," Tokayev said.


He expressed hope that the meeting would lead to concrete
investment and technology projects, adding that Kazakhstan aims to
develop its domestic processing industry and increase production of
high-value-added goods.


Tokayev cited the partnership between Belgium's John Cockerill
and Kazakhstan's Qarmet to develop new galvanizing and protective
coating capacity as an example of industrial cooperation. He also
welcomed Belgian partners' involvement in geological exploration
and the deep processing of raw materials and metals.







Tokayev also highlighted Kazakhstan's focus on improving
productivity, expanding agricultural processing and making
efficient use of water and land resources, identifying these areas
as potential fields for joint projects.


He emphasized the importance of strengthening cooperation in
healthcare and pharmaceuticals.


"We welcome cooperation with IBA aimed at expanding access to
proton therapy in Kazakhstan. Joint programs to train specialized
professionals and conduct clinical research will strengthen our
capabilities in advanced cancer treatment. We invite Belgian
pharmaceutical companies to establish production facilities in
Kazakhstan," Tokayev said.


The president also stressed Kazakhstan's interest in attracting
skilled and enterprising people willing to work alongside Kazakh
citizens.


"The more such people come to our country, the better for all of
us, as this helps strengthen both personal and professional ties.
Such interaction is highly valued in Kazakhstan. As president of
Kazakhstan, I value above all the intellectual abilities of people
who come to our country, rather than their ethnic background,"
Tokayev said.