Tokayev, Erdoğan Boost Kazakh-Turkish Ties, Targeting $15 Billion Trade with Focus on AI, Logistics, and Industry

Astana and Ankara are forging an even stronger economic and strategic partnership, as evidenced by the high-level Kazakh-Turkish Business Forum. Presidents Kassym-Jomart Tokayev and Recep Tayyip Erdoğan underscored their shared commitment to deepening cooperation across a wide spectrum of industries, setting an ambitious target of $15 billion in bilateral trade. This isn't merely about numbers; it represents a strategic alignment aimed at leveraging the strengths of both nations for mutual prosperity and regional stability.

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Today, around 3,800 enterprises with Turkish capital successfully operate in Kazakhstan. Thanks to our joint efforts, thousands of jobs have been created.

President Tokayev articulated Kazakhstan's unwavering support for Turkish businesses operating within its borders, emphasizing Türkiye's status as a key strategic and investment partner. The presence of approximately 3,800 Turkish-capitalized enterprises creating thousands of jobs in Kazakhstan speaks volumes about the successful integration and mutual benefit derived from this relationship. Kazakhstan, as Central Asia's largest economy, offers a stable and dynamic market, further enhanced by initiatives like the Altyn Visa program and the burgeoning Astana International Financial Centre, which now hosts a significant number of international firms, including a growing contingent from Turkey.

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Kazakhstan is the largest economy in Central Asia. This demonstrates the stability and enormous potential of our domestic market.

The forum placed particular emphasis on industrial cooperation, showcasing a robust portfolio of 142 joint projects valued at $7.6 billion. These collaborations span critical sectors, with Turkish firms like YDA Holding making significant investments in manufacturing and medical production, while others are active in construction, chemicals, and energy infrastructure. The expansion of Turkish companies into Kazakhstan's aviation sector, including terminal reconstruction at Almaty Airport and planned logistics centers, highlights the tangible progress and the future potential of this partnership.

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TAV Holding is conducting the reconstruction of the international terminal at Almaty Airport. S Sistem Lojistik has expressed interest in building a logistics center at Aktobe Airport.

From a Kazakh perspective, this deepening relationship with Turkey is of paramount importance. Turkey is not just a trading partner; it is a vital link in the 'Turkic world,' fostering cultural and economic ties that extend beyond mere commerce. The focus on logistics and industrial cooperation, particularly in sectors like agriculture where Kazakhstan possesses vast arable land, positions both countries to become key players in global supply chains. This collaboration is crucial for Kazakhstan's ongoing economic diversification and its ambition to become a regional hub. The synergy between Kazakhstan's resources and Turkey's industrial and logistical expertise creates a powerful engine for growth, benefiting not only the two nations but also contributing to the broader economic landscape of Eurasia.

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Kazakhstan ranks sixth globally in arable land area and remains among the world’s top grain exporters, harvesting 27 million tons of grain last year.