Kazakhstan Expands Energy and Trade Cooperation with the U.S.
Kazakhstan has been actively advancing its economic and trade relations with the United States while simultaneously implementing significant reforms in regional development. Key discussions and initiatives in the energy, transportation, and tourism sectors highlight the country’s strategic priorities for 2024 and beyond.
Energy Cooperation with the U.S.
On March 15, Kazakhstan’s Energy Minister Almassadam Satkaliyev met with representatives of the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, led by Senior Vice President Khush Choksy, to discuss expanding trade and economic cooperation. The talks primarily focused on oil and gas production, petrochemicals, renewable energy, and nuclear energy projects.
Satkaliyev emphasized Kazakhstan’s role as a crucial trade partner for the U.S. in Central Asia, highlighting government measures to attract foreign investment and create a favorable business climate. Representatives of the U.S. Chamber of Commerce expressed interest in deepening collaboration and acknowledged Kazakhstan’s ongoing economic reforms.
KazMunayGas (KMG) has also been actively strengthening ties with American and European energy companies. During meetings in the U.S., KMG Chairman Askhat Khassenov discussed plans for expanding the Kashagan oilfield, increasing local content in major oil and gas projects, and boosting renewable energy cooperation. Key discussions included collaboration with TotalEnergies on emissions reduction and the construction of the Mirny wind power plant in the Zhambyl Region.
Boosting Trade via the Trans-Caspian Route
Kazakhstan’s container shipments via the Trans-Caspian International Transport Route (TITR) surged 2.7 times in 2024, reaching 56,500 twenty-foot equivalent units (TEU). Cargo transportation along the route increased by 62%, totaling 4.5 million tons. The China-Europe direction saw the most significant rise, with 35,600 TEU transported—27 times more than in 2023.
Minister of Trade and Integration Arman Shakkaliyev, in a meeting with OECD Eurasia Division head William Thompson, reaffirmed Kazakhstan’s commitment to trade integration and economic competitiveness. The country aims to increase transit to 5.2 million tons, including 70,000 TEU, by 2025. Further cooperation with the OECD includes initiatives such as the Trade Facilitation Index and the Eurasia Competitiveness Program.
National Kurultai: Tourism, Sports, and Environmental Protection
On March 14, President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev chaired the fourth National Kurultai (Congress) in Burabai, focusing on tourism development, sports infrastructure, and environmental conservation.
Tourism and Regional Development
Tokayev emphasized that tourism should drive economic growth in Kazakhstan’s regions. Events like the Commonwealth Fair in Taraz, which attracts artisans and farmers from various countries, aim to boost economic ties and international investments. The President also stressed the importance of promoting flagship cultural and tourist events year-round, securing sponsorships, and increasing media coverage.
Burabai, one of Kazakhstan’s most popular resort areas, will undergo further development. Nearly 140 billion tenge (US$279.5 million), with half from private investments, has been allocated for infrastructure projects, environmental protection, and improved tourist services. A new Congress Center in Burabai is expected to enhance tourism appeal and address off-season occupancy.
Environmental Conservation and Wildlife Protection
Kazakhstan continues to strengthen biodiversity protection efforts. Legislative measures adopted since 2019 have helped restore the saiga population, but new challenges related to agriculture and ecosystem balance have emerged. The government is also working on restoring the Turan tiger population in the Balkhash region and protecting endangered species like Caspian seals and pink flamingos.
Tokayev proposed creating a Fund for the Protection of Biological Diversity and personally pledged support to emphasize its importance. Additionally, Kazakhstan’s Kazakh tazy hunting dog breed has gained international recognition.
Developing Sports Infrastructure
Kazakhstan is prioritizing sports infrastructure development, with major projects underway across the country. Key initiatives include the construction of a National University of Sports in Astana, a rowing canal in Turkistan, a football stadium in Kyzylorda, and a specialized sports complex for people with disabilities in Uralsk.
A unique multifunctional sports complex is also planned in Kokshetau, funded by the Special State Fund recovering illegally withdrawn assets. Over three years, more than two trillion tenge (US$3.9 billion) has been returned to Kazakhstan and will be allocated to regional social and economic needs.
Photo credit: gov.kz
