US Congress Explores Granting Kazakhstan Permanent Normal Trade Relations Status
The U.S. Congress is considering granting Kazakhstan Permanent Normal Trade Relations (PNTR) status, a move aimed at deepening bilateral ties. However, the Jackson-Vanik Amendment, a Cold War-era policy from 1974, is slowing progress. Some lawmakers are optimistic that the amendment could be repealed as early as January 2025.
Kazakhstan’s Ambassador to the U.S., Yerzhan Ashikbayev, emphasized the importance of repealing the outdated policy, highlighting Kazakhstan’s transformation into Central Asia’s leading destination for foreign investment and its role in regional stability and security.
“Over the past 30 years, Kazakhstan has grown into the second-largest economy in the post-Soviet space, contributing two-thirds of Central Asia’s GDP. Repealing the Jackson-Vanik Amendment is a strategic step to strengthen ties and provide stability for American investors,” said Ashikbayev.
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