BAKU, Azerbaijan, October 23. Kazakhstan and
Germany have discussed prospects for expanding industrial
cooperation, attracting investment and developing international
transport corridors, according to the Ministry of National Economy
of Kazakhstan.
The issues were discussed at a meeting between Kazakhstan’s
Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of National Economy Serik
Zhumangarin and Germany’s Ambassador to Kazakhstan, Heike Peitsch.
Zhumangarin congratulated the ambassador on the start of her
diplomatic mission.
According to the ministry, Germany remains one of Kazakhstan’s
key economic partners in Europe. Bilateral trade reached $4.5
billion last year, increasing by 13.4%. German investment in
Kazakhstan has totalled $8 billion since 2005. More than 1,100
companies with German capital operate in Kazakhstan, including
Knauf, CLAAS, HORSCH and Heidelberg Materials.
The two countries intend to expand existing production
facilities, increase local content and involve more Kazakh
suppliers in industrial cooperation. The agenda also includes
boosting the production of higher value-added goods and
strengthening the position of Kazakh manufacturers in the German
market. A roadmap for 2026–2028 serves as the framework for these
efforts.
The parties also discussed Central Asia’s role in strengthening
regional connectivity and international trade. Peitsch highlighted
Germany’s and other European countries’ interest in deepening
cooperation with the region, noting its potential to expand trade
routes and open access to new markets.
Zhumangarin emphasized the importance of developing transport
links towards South Asia for Central Asia’s long-term prospects.
Kazakhstan is seeking to diversify transport routes and strengthen
cooperation with regional partners.
One of the projects under consideration is the construction of a
railway through Afghanistan towards Pakistan. Kazakhstan,
Uzbekistan and the United Arab Emirates have already signed a
memorandum of understanding on the project.
According to Peitsch, the development of such routes is of
interest not only to Central Asian countries but also to Germany,
as the region could become an important link between European and
Asian markets. Beyond rail transport, the sides also highlighted
opportunities to develop digital connectivity, gas pipelines, and
oil pipelines to facilitate trade and economic cooperation.
Following the meeting, the parties agreed to continue working
together on bilateral cooperation and maintain regular dialogue on
key areas of Kazakhstan–Germany relations.
