Kazakhstan presents investment opportunities to French business community

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.