Kazakhstan and France signed 24 agreements worth $2.2
billion during the 13th meeting of the bilateral business council in Paris.
Business representatives of the two countries discussed cooperation and
investment opportunities. The most attractive sectors for French entrepreneurs
include Kazakhstan’s IT industry, agro-industrial complex, mining, healthcare,
and light industry, with significant interest also shown in the energy sector.
«The French company Orano, a global leader, has extensive
experience and advanced technology in uranium extraction. We have established
strong agreements to apply their technology and expertise in Kazakhstan’s
uranium mining sector. The second company, EDF, is also a global French firm.
They are involved not only in extraction but also in the application and
utilization of resources, and they are world leaders in managing nuclear power
plants. The Head of State noted that a decision regarding the consortium will
be made after the referendum. It is likely that their participation in the
consortium will be considered based on the outcomes of these negotiations,» said
Gabidulla Ospankulov, Chairman of the Investment Committee of the Kazakh
Foreign Ministry.
Kazakhstan-France trade turnover reaches $4 billion
Notably, Kazakhstan is a leading economic partner of France
in Central Asia. France is one of Kazakhstan’s main trading partners in Europe,
with trade between the two countries growing rapidly each year. In the first
eight months of 2024, it increased by 45 percent, reaching $4 billion, with
Kazakhstan’s exports accounting for 90 percent of the total volume.
Additionally, France is among the top five investment partners of Kazakhstan,
having invested over $19 billion since 2005. More than 200 enterprises with
French capital operate successfully in Kazakhstan, primarily in the
petrochemical, transportation, engineering, aviation, and construction
sectors.
