President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev has proposed developing a CIS Development Strategy through 2035 in the medium term. He announced the initiative at the CIS Heads of State Council meeting in Turkmenistan. The Head of State also emphasized the need to strengthen economic ties and develop industrial and technological partnerships. CIS markets are of great importance to Kazakhstan, accounting for more than a quarter of the country’s foreign trade turnover. Last year, trade approached $40 billion, rising by 10% in the first seven months of 2026.
«Considerable experience has also been gained in establishing joint production facilities. For example, Kazakhstan’s portfolio of industrial projects involving Russia includes 178 projects and initiatives worth a total of $61 billion, 124 of which have already been implemented. Work is underway on 80 projects with Uzbekistan, worth around $2 billion. Joint production of specialized and agricultural machinery has also been established with Belarus,» Kassym-Jomart Tokayev noted.
The President also emphasized the need to expand the services market and create favorable conditions for investment. One practical step should be the development of a portfolio of flagship CIS industrial and technological projects for the next three years. He identified the development of transport links and the strengthening of transit potential as another promising area for expanding cooperation. This objective is supported by the concept of linking key transport arteries across the CIS, approved in May this year at Kazakhstan’s initiative.
«Kazakhstan is making a tangible contribution to the implementation of the aforementioned Concept. In August, construction began on the new Aral-Caspian Highway, which will stretch for more than 1,500 kilometers. Once this strategic project is commissioned, the road route from China to Europe will be shortened by around 1,000 kilometers, while transit cargo delivery times will be reduced to three days. Work also continues on other major projects,» Kassym-Jomart Tokayev added.
The Head of State paid particular attention to digitalization and artificial intelligence. The President proposed sharing expertise in this area and holding a forum for AI specialists under the auspices of the CIS in Astana in the first quarter of 2027. Another initiative put forward by Kazakhstan is the establishment of a Golden Library Fund of the CIS, featuring outstanding works of literature from the peoples of the Commonwealth. The collection is planned to be housed in the Presidential Library in Astana, the construction of which is expected to be completed in mid-2027. President Tokayev also proposed holding the first CIS Plus Summit to expand the organization’s international ties. In conclusion, the President welcomed Uzbekistan’s upcoming CIS chairmanship in 2027.
Related Articles
