Prime Minister of Kazakhstan Olzhas Bektenov discussed trade and economic cooperation with Special Representative of the US President Sergio Gore and First Deputy Secretary of State Christopher Landau. The press service of the government of Kazakhstan reported this on Wednesday, October 29.
Prime Minister of Kazakhstan Olzhas Bektenov held a meeting with the Special Representative of the US President for South and Central Asia Sergio Gore and US First Deputy Secretary of State Christopher Landau.
Olzhas Bektenov noted that President of Kazakhstan Kassym-Jomart Tokayev attaches special importance to the development of cooperation with the United States of America and emphasized that this meeting also will be an important step for further unlocking the trade and economic potential of bilateral relations.
The Government of Kazakhstan is implementing systemic measures aimed at creating favorable conditions for foreign, including American, business.
According to the National Bank of the Republic of Kazakhstan, the gross inflow of direct investment from the United States since 1993 has amounted to about $61.2 billion, which exceeds 13% of the total volume of FDI in Kazakhstan. Over the past five years, the volume of mutual trade has doubled and reached $4.2 billion.
During the meeting, the participants discussed issues of expanding trade ties and investment cooperation. Measures to deepen cooperation in industry, digital, energy, agricultural, transport and logistics, water sectors, etc. were considered.
Deputy Prime Minister – Minister of National Economy Serik Zhumangarin, Minister of Trade and Integration Arman Shakkaliev, Minister of Energy Erlan Akkenzhenov, Minister of Transport Nurlan Sauranbayev made reports on the prospects for the development of bilateral cooperation. New points of contact were noted in the transit and transport sector.
In the energy sector, the importance of modernization and the introduction of advanced technologies within the framework of joint projects was emphasized. A current direction is partnership in the agricultural sector. Kazakhstan is one of the ten largest world exporters of grain and flour. Joint projects for deep processing of grain with subsequent export to the markets of the USA, EU, China and India were discussed.
The priority of deepening cooperation in the field of digital industry and AI technologies was outlined. The key platform in the region is the International Center for Artificial Intelligence Alem.AI, uniting the world’s leading technology companies, including Apple, Google, etc. An important element of the digital ecosystem of Kazakhstan is also the Astana Hub, where more than 1,700 companies operate today. In the state of California (USA), Kazakhstan opened the Silk Road innovation center. In partnership with leading American companies and universities, acceleration programs are being implemented to strengthen the technological partnership between Kazakhstan and the United States.
Following the meeting, the participants confirmed their readiness to expand trade and economic cooperation in all promising areas.