Kazakhstan and Italy are expanding their partnership.
An international forum took place in Astana, focusing on logistics, energy
cooperation, infrastructure development, and trade. The event served as an
important platform to discuss prospects for Kazakh-Italian cooperation,
strengthen business ties, exchange practical knowledge to support growth and
innovation, and launch new joint projects. The parties signed a number of memoranda
and agreements, including one on cooperation in energy transition and sustainable
technologies. Kazakh and Italian companies have agreed to jointly produce
sustainable aviation fuel and green hydrogen. To this end, specialists will
conduct an assessment of raw material reserves.
«The memorandum is the basis for a future collaboration on a number of initiatives in Kazakhstan. And these initiatives are mostly tailored to boost energy transition projects. So, Kazakhstan is becoming a land for massive renewable energy deployment. And I think that Kazakhstan is best fit to be a bridge between the fossil fuel economy and the green economy, more than any other countries,» noted Fabio Fritelli, Managing Director, Nextchem company, Italy.
«Major companies have arrived today, including Ludoil Energy, which is interested in creating the necessary conditions in Kazakhstan for processing oil waste, producing bioethanol, and implementing other related technologies they possess. They operate in many countries, including across Europe and in Brazil. As an association, we are working on the project announced by the Head of State, «Made in Kazakhstan with Italy», which involves the relocation and localization of certain Italian companies in Kazakhstan, with a view to further trade with China,» said Olzhas Shyntayev, Vice President of the Italian-Kazakh Trade Association.
Notably, over 260 Italian
companies currently operate in Kazakhstan across energy, mechanical
engineering, agriculture, and other strategic sectors. Bilateral trade turnover
reached $17 billion last year, with Kazakhstan’s exports accounting for $16
billion. Over two months of 2026, trade between the two countries has already
amounted to $2.5 billion. Italy also ranks among the top five EU investors in
Kazakhstan. Over the years of independence, total Italian investment in the
country’s economy has exceeded $9.5 billion.
Related Articles
