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Kazakhstan, Belgium Target Deeper Cooperation in Strategic Sectors, Connectivity
🇰🇿 Kazakhstan /Economy & Trade

Kazakhstan, Belgium Target Deeper Cooperation in Strategic Sectors, Connectivity

From The Astana Times · () English

Summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

News Named sources New plan
  • Kazakhstan and Belgium agreed to boost cooperation in strategic sectors and connectivity during Kazakh Foreign Minister Yermek Kosherbayev's visit to Brussels.
  • Discussions focused on deepening political dialogue, expanding trade, investment, and humanitarian ties, with a special emphasis on the Trans-Caspian transport route.
  • Both nations see significant potential in sectors like semiconductors, energy, and defense, with Belgium aiming to leverage Kazakhstan's raw materials and serve as Europe's gateway.

Kazakhstan and Belgium are set to deepen their strategic partnership, focusing on key sectors and transport connectivity. The agreement follows talks between Kazakh Foreign Minister Yermek Kosherbayev and Belgian Deputy Prime Minister Maxime Prévot in Brussels on June 23.

The discussions aimed to enhance political dialogue, boost trade and investment, and strengthen humanitarian ties. A significant point of focus was the Trans-Caspian International Transport Route, highlighting Kazakhstan's potential as a crucial transit hub. Both ministers expressed optimism about leveraging Kazakhstan's resources, particularly critical raw materials, and Belgium's position as a gateway to Europe.

We have lots of opportunities to work in semiconductors, the energy sector, of course, defense sector, nuclear power plants. We also intend to develop our own strategy. So we can count on critical raw materials of Kazakhstan. I think that we will really have good outcomes of this visit and it will be only the beginning of very good and strong stories between our two countries. Belgium is the gateway to Europe, and I am sure that Kazakhstan will be the gateway to Central Asia.

— Maxime PrévotDescribing the potential for bilateral cooperation between Belgium and Kazakhstan.

Belgian officials see substantial opportunities in areas such as semiconductors, energy, and defense, including nuclear power plants. Belgian institutions like KU Leuven, Ghent University, and IMEC are exploring partnerships with Kazakhstan in education, science, and innovation. Belgian Deputy Prime Minister Prévot emphasized Central Asia as a diplomatic priority, noting Kazakhstan's regional significance and Belgium's existing embassy in Astana, with plans to open another in Uzbekistan.

Trade between the two nations saw a notable increase, with turnover reaching $582.4 million in 2025, up 27.6%. Kazakhstan also attracted $1.044 billion in Belgian foreign direct investment last year, with 110 Belgian-capitalized enterprises operating in the country. These figures underscore the growing economic ties and the potential for further collaboration.

It had been a very interesting first contact and noted that he had decided to make Central Asia one of the top priorities of Belgian diplomacy.

— Maxime PrévotExpressing his view on the initial diplomatic engagement with Kazakhstan and Central Asia.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by The Astana Times. Summarized and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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