Kazakh President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev and King Philippe attended the fourth session of the Kazakhstan-Belgium Business Council. President Tokayev emphasized that the presence of the Belgian monarchs was a clear testament to the friendship between the two countries and their shared determination to elevate bilateral partnership to a qualitatively new level. Belgium is among the ten largest investors in Kazakhstan’s economy. Over the past two decades, Belgian companies have invested more than $15 billion in the country. Bilateral trade has also grown by 10% since the beginning of the year. However, President Tokayev stressed that there is still considerable room for growth. He identified transport and logistics as one of the key areas for strengthening cooperation. Kazakhstan is currently upgrading its road and railway infrastructure, as well as its seaports and terminals along the Middle Corridor.
«In this context, Belgium’s rich experience as a major European logistics center is particularly valuable to us. We anticipate a concrete partnership linking the ports of Antwerp-Bruges with the ports of Aktau and Kuryk in the Caspian Sea. This could open wider markets for our metals, petrochemicals and agricultural products,» Tokayev said.
Another promising area for cooperation is AI and the technology sector. In this regard, the Head of State proposed exploring the potential of Alem.ai and Alatau City as hubs for the development of advanced industries. Other areas for mutually beneficial cooperation include energy, critical materials and petrochemicals. President Tokayev invited Belgian companies to participate in projects focused on deep processing and the production of high-value-added polymer products.
«Our ambition is to develop a stronger domestic processing industry and produce more high-value goods. John Cockerill’s partnership with Qarmet on new galvanizing and coating facilities is a concrete example of our industrial cooperation. We also welcome Belgian partners in geological exploration, advanced processing and metals recycling,» Tokayev added.
Kazakhstan is also interested in cooperation in healthcare, particularly in developing and introducing advanced cancer treatments and training specialists. President Tokayev invited Belgian pharmaceutical companies to establish production facilities in Kazakhstan. King Philippe, in turn, emphasized that Brussels and Astana have all the necessary conditions to strengthen ties between Europe and Central Asia.
«Belgium is a gateway to Europe at the heart of the European Union. Kazakhstan is a gateway across Eurasia. With its unique geographical position, considerable natural resources, it has become a regional center for trade, investment, and green development, giving it a distinctive role in the global economy. This creates a natural synergy,» King Philippe said.
Related Articles
