Kazakhstan now accounts
for over 80 percent of France’s trade with Central Asia. In 2024, bilateral
trade between the two countries grew 45 percent, President Kassym-Jomart
Tokayev said at a meeting of the investment roundtable. He noted that French
investments in Kazakhstan also increased to $900 million.
«First, the energy
sector has always been a key area of our bilateral cooperation. As a major
supplier of oil and uranium to the European Union, we are fully committed to
continue supporting France’s energy sovereignty. We anticipate a stronger
manufacturing presence of French companies to bring additional advanced
technology to our industrial landscape. With our country producing the largest
share of uranium globally and France’s extensive expertise in the nuclear
industry, we could jointly advance our cooperation in the civil nuclear
sector,» Tokayev said.
There are the numerous
areas of economic connection between Kazakh and French businesses. To
strengthen and expand these ties, Tokayev extended an invitation to French
President Emmanuel Macron for a state visit in 2025 and encouraged French
entrepreneurs to participate in the Astana International Forum in May.
President Tokayev holds
meetings with leading French business representatives
During subsequent
meetings, Tokayev discussed energy cooperation with Luc Remont, CEO of Electricite
de France, the world’s largest operator of nuclear power plants. Remont confirmed
the company’s intent to continue the mutually beneficial partnership with
Kazatomprom national atomic company. Tokayev also met with Nicolas Maes, CEO of
Orano S.A., to explore collaboration in nuclear energy, the scientific and
technical sphere, as well as rare metal extraction and processing. At a meeting
with Rodolphe Saade, the head of shipping companies, Tokayev focused on
advancing Kazakhstan’s transport and logistics complex.
