Kazakh PM Calls for Deeper Regional Cooperation at Tashkent Investment Forum

Kazakh Prime Minister Olzhas Bektenov has called for enhanced regional cooperation to unlock Central Asia's economic potential. Speaking at the fifth Tashkent Investment Forum on June 17, which attracted over 10,000 participants from 102 countries, Bektenov emphasized Kazakhstan's commitment to fostering deeper collaboration among Central Asian nations.

During his address, Bektenov detailed measures Kazakhstan is implementing to attract investment. These include an updated Investment Policy Concept through 2030, the operational framework of the national company Kazakh Invest, and strengthened protections for investors' rights. A new "Altyn Visa" special visa regime is also being introduced to simplify entry for investors and highly skilled specialists.

Bektenov also held a bilateral meeting with Uzbek President Shavkat Mirziyoyev. They discussed expanding trade and economic ties, bolstering industrial cooperation, improving transport links, and deepening collaboration in energy, water management, and tourism. Bilateral trade between Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan saw a substantial increase of 16.2% in 2025, reaching $4.8 billion. For the first four months of this year, trade reached $1.9 billion, marking a 42.1% rise compared to the same period in 2025. Both leaders lauded the partnership between their countries as a model of strategic alliance built on trust and mutual understanding.