BAKU, Azerbaijan, November 2. Kazakhstan has
attracted more than $30 billion in foreign direct investment (FDI)
from countries participating in the Central Asia Regional Economic
Cooperation (CAREC) program since 2005, while trade with these
countries reached $8.8 billion in 2025, up 14.4% year-on-year,
according to the Kazakh government.


This was stated by Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of
National Economy Serik Zhumangarin at the opening of the Second
Tianshan Forum for Central Asia Economic Cooperation.


Zhumangarin identified expanding mutual trade, developing
transport and logistics links, and attracting high-quality
investment as key areas of cooperation under the CAREC program.


"Our common task is not only to increase trade volumes, but also
to consistently remove barriers, simplify trade procedures, develop
e-commerce, and expand entrepreneurs' access to the markets of
neighboring countries," he said.


Another priority is the development of transport infrastructure.
Kazakhstan is expanding the capacity of its transport corridors,
modernizing its railway and road infrastructure, and developing
multimodal transportation.


To accelerate cross-border shipments, it is also necessary to
ensure the compatibility of transport systems, digitize border
procedures, and reduce cargo transit times, Zhumangarin said.


Investment cooperation is another important component of the
regional agenda. Kazakhstan's investments in CAREC countries have
exceeded $4 billion. More than 28,000 enterprises from countries in
the region and over 2,500 joint ventures are registered in
Kazakhstan.







According to the deputy prime minister, it is important not only
to increase investment volumes but also to channel funds into
establishing new production facilities, introducing modern
technologies, raising labor productivity, and manufacturing higher
value-added products.


Kazakhstan is interested in expanding cooperation with
international financial institutions in transport and logistics,
industry, agriculture, energy, and digital infrastructure.


Other issues on the regional agenda include the digitalization
of trade and logistics, climate change, and the rational use of
water resources.


The second Tianshan Forum is being held in Almaty on November
2-3 under the theme "Strengthening Resilant Connectivity and
Quality Investment in Central Asia." The forum is organized by the
CAREC Institute and Kazakhstan's Ministry of National Economy, with
the Asian Development Bank participating as a strategic
partner.


Around 400 participants are attending the event, including
representatives of CAREC member countries' governments,
international financial institutions, development organizations,
businesses, and expert communities.