Prime Minister of Kazakhstan Olzhas Bektenov and Prime Minister of the Czech Republic Andrej Babiš participated in a joint business forum
Prime Minister of the Republic of Kazakhstan Olzhas Bektenov and Prime Minister of the Czech Republic Andrej Babiš participated in the Kazakhstan – Czech Republic business forum in Astana, which brought together representatives of the two countries' business communities.
The event was organized by JSC NC KAZAKH INVEST. Attention was paid to the development of trade, economic, and investment cooperation, industrial collaboration, and the implementation of joint projects in mechanical engineering, transport, energy, IT, the aviation industry, and other sectors.
In his welcoming address to the forum participants, Prime Minister Olzhas Bektenov emphasized that developing dialogue with businesses and investors is a priority for Kazakhstan.
"In accordance with the instructions of Head of State Kassym-Jomart Tokayev, Kazakhstan is implementing a proactive investment policy and remains open to long-term investors. Building a trusting dialogue with businesses is an important part of this work. I am pleased to see a broad representation of Kazakh and Czech companies today. By leveraging each other's strengths and exploring new areas of cooperation, we can create a mutually beneficial partnership," noted Olzhas Bektenov.
"Kazakhstan is not only a bridge between continents but also a global hub for innovation and strategic investment. Our relationship is built on a solid foundation of mutual respect and a proven track record of successful projects. Interest in Kazakhstan is a long-term strategic priority for us," emphasized Czech Prime Minister Andrej Babiš.
As part of Kazakhstan's ongoing investment policy, measures are being taken to improve the business environment. Baiterek Holding has been transformed into a national investment holding. The national company KAZAKH INVEST is expanding its presence in priority markets, and plans are underway to establish Kazakhstan Investment House as a single support center. A Committee for the Protection of Investor Rights has been established under the Prosecutor General's Office. Investment agreements are available for large investors, ensuring legislative stability for up to 25 years. This work resulted in a 14.4% increase in foreign direct investment last year, reaching $20.5 billion. According to ESCAP, $19 billion of foreign direct investment was invested in greenfield projects in Kazakhstan. This accounted for 89% of all interregional investment in Central Asia.
Czech companies' interest in increasing cooperation with Kazakhstan and expanding their market presence was noted. Examples of successful collaboration include Škoda Auto's launch of an $8.2 million automobile assembly project. BBS plans to begin production of heat exchange equipment worth $9 million by the end of this year. In the energy sector, ČEZ's partnership with Kazatomprom, a previously concluded long-term uranium supply agreement, holds promise.
Vice Minister of Industry and Construction of the Republic of Kazakhstan O. Saparbekov and President of the Union of Industry and Transport J. Rafaj spoke at the event. A panel session, "From Industry to Resources: Unlocking Kazakhstan-Czech Synergies," was also held. Speakers included M. Karimsakov, Chairman of the Atameken Chamber of Commerce of Kazakhstan; R. Sorkin, Vice President for Central Asia at Škoda Transportation; R. Maimishev, President of the Kazakhstan Chamber of Mines; Z. Venera, Director of the Geological Survey of the Czech Republic; A. Nauryzov, Managing Director for Investments at Kazakhstan Engineering; M. Jagrik, Commercial Director of the Omnipol Group; E. Galiev, Chairman of the National Geological Survey of the Republic of Kazakhstan; and A. Lukashov, Agricultural Expert at the Embassy of the Czech Republic in Kazakhstan.
Following the forum, six memorandums of cooperation were signed between companies from Kazakhstan and the Czech Republic. These agreements provide for the creation of joint ventures in the energy, transportation, mechanical engineering, and insurance sectors.
