Kazakhstan is ready to increase exports to the EU by over $2
billion. To finance such projects, European companies can use the platform of
the Astana International Financial Centre (AIFC), as noted by President
Kassym-Jomart Tokayev at the Central Asia – European Union summit in Samarkand.
In addition to strengthening economic ties, the Head of State highlighted
energy as another important area of cooperation. Currently, Kazakhstan accounts
for about 13% of the total oil imports of the European Union.
«Kazakhstan is implementing projects in the field of
renewable energy and environmentally friendly fuels. We are increasing the
capacity of wind and solar energy, as well as developing projects for the
production of green hydrogen in cooperation with our long-standing partners
Total, Eni, Svevind, and other European companies. In addition, Kazakhstan,
together with Uzbekistan and Azerbaijan, is starting work on a large-scale
project to build a green energy transmission line across the Caspian Sea with
further access to European markets,» Tokayev stated.
Another promising area for cooperation is critical raw
materials. The Head of State proposed establishing a Regional Research Center
for Rare Earth Metals in Astana. Transit will also contribute to the
development of partnership between the region and the European Union. In this
regard, the Trans-Caspian International Transport Route holds significant
potential. By 2027, cargo traffic along this route is planned to reach 10
million tonnes. The EU’s Global Gateway strategy also impacts the expansion of
transport links in Central Asia. And, of course, cooperation in digital
technologies is crucial.
«Through the Team Europe initiative, the European Union is
supporting Central Asian countries in developing cooperation in the field of
digital technologies. Kazakhstan appreciates this program and is ready for
cooperation and experience sharing. In this regard, I propose launching the
Central Asia – European Union Innovation Campus at Astana Hub,» Tokayev added.
President Tokayev proposed developing an Erasmus+ for
Central Asia program to prepare specialists in the field of artificial
intelligence. In his speech, he also emphasized the country’s commitment to a
balanced foreign policy and the expansion of cooperation with all countries and
major organizations, including the European Union.
Related Articles
