In 2024, Kazakhstan’s trade turnover with the
member states of the Organization of Turkic States (OTS) reached nearly $11.5
billion, and the parties see further potential for growth. Prime Minister
Olzhas Bektenov discussed economic cooperation with OTS Secretary General
Kubanychbek Omuraliyev. During the meeting, the parties highlighted the
creation of new formats of interaction. Efforts are also underway in the areas
of social policy, environmental protection, industry, science, and technology.
A number of events are planned to preserve and promote Turkic culture and
historical heritage. Humanitarian initiatives were also discussed. For
instance, Aktau was previously declared the cultural capital of the Turkic
world, and starting in June, Almaty will become the youth capital of the OTS. A new outlet center is set to be built in the Almaty
region with funding from Austrian investors. The project’s prospects were
discussed by the investor company’s leadership and Prime Minister Olzhas
Bektenov. The construction of the center is expected to boost the development
of small and medium-sized businesses, attract investment, and increase trade
volume. The project also aims to attract both domestic and foreign consumers. Kazakhstan
will also collaborate with the World Bank on digital transformation. This was
discussed at a meeting between the Prime Minister and Antonella Bassani, Vice
President of the World Bank. The institution can bring advanced international
expertise to support the country’s government agencies in optimizing the design
of innovative technologies, implementing investment projects, and addressing
environmental challenges. According to the Bank, 48 projects worth $8 billion
have been implemented to date as part of bilateral cooperation. At a meeting
with Haoliang Xu, UN Under-Secretary-General, Prime Minister Bektenov discussed
cooperation in implementing the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The two
sides explored prospects for establishing a UN Development Programme (UNDP)
subregional office in Almaty, which would coordinate joint efforts to
strengthen Central Asia's resilience to external challenges. Overall,
Kazakhstan has implemented 200 projects across various sectors over the years
of its partnership with the international organization.
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