Kazakhstan and Laos seek to expand trade through agriculture and transport links

Kazakhstan and Laos want geography to work in their favor. Kazakhstan is offering its trade and logistics network as a bridge for Lao products to reach Central Asian and wider Eurasian markets, while Laos could provide Kazakh goods with an additional route into Southeast Asia.

The ideas were discussed in Astana on Sept. 3 by Kazakh Prime Minister Olzhas Bektenov and Lao President Thongloun Sisoulith during Sisoulith’s first official visit to Kazakhstan. They focused on implementing agreements reached by the two countries’ presidents and identified agriculture, transport, logistics and digitalization as priority areas.

Agriculture presents the most immediate opportunity. Kazakhstan, a major exporter of wheat and flour with large areas of arable land and pasture, is ready to increase supplies of grain, oilseeds, animal feed and meat products to Laos. The Lao side expressed interest in those goods, while Kazakhstan is looking to import coffee, rubber and other products from Laos.

The two sides also discussed joint processing and storage of agricultural products, along with modern irrigation technology. That would move cooperation beyond simply exchanging finished goods.

Transport links offer a longer-term possibility. Kazakhstan is developing transcontinental corridors between China and Europe, while Laos has transport connections with China and access to Southeast Asian markets. Both countries are landlocked, and officials see existing infrastructure as a way to turn that constraint into a practical trading advantage.

Digital cooperation will support the economic agenda. Kazakhstan and Laos exchanged a memorandum covering information and communications technologies and e-government services. The document is intended to encourage experience-sharing and joint initiatives. Sisoulith also stressed the importance of strengthening friendly relations and carrying out joint projects. The two countries signed additional intergovernmental documents on political consultations and other areas of cooperation.