On 21 October 2026, the Swiss–Kazakh Cultural and Business Centre was inaugurated in Schaffhausen, Switzerland. The centre was established on the initiative of Eurasia Group, with the support of the Embassy of the Republic of Kazakhstan in Switzerland, to promote trade, economic and cultural cooperation between the two countries.
One of the centre’s key priorities will be to promote Kazakhstani products in Switzerland and other international markets. Particular emphasis will be placed on products from the metallurgical, agro-industrial, food and chemical industries. The centre will facilitate direct business contacts between Kazakhstani producers, foreign importers and retail chains, as well as support the development of investment cooperation. Another dedicated area of its activities will focus on promoting Kazakhstan’s history and culture.
The opening ceremony was attended by Arman Shakkaliyev, Minister of Trade and Integration of the Republic of Kazakhstan; representatives of the authorities of the Canton of Schaffhausen; representatives of the Embassy of Kazakhstan in Switzerland and QazTrade JSC; Kazakhstani and Swiss entrepreneurs; and members of the academic community.
Speaking at the event, Arman Shakkaliyev emphasised Kazakhstan’s interest in expanding economic cooperation with Switzerland, including attracting technology, developing industrial capabilities and implementing long-term joint projects.
Nurlan Kulbatyrov, Chief Executive Officer of QazTrade JSC, presented Kazakhstan’s export and investment potential, as well as existing support mechanisms designed to help domestic producers enter the Swiss market.
M. Zakhin, President of Eurasia Group AG, outlined the objectives behind establishing the centre and its role in fostering business ties between entrepreneurs from the two countries.
Representatives of the Canton of Schaffhausen highlighted prospects for cooperation with Kazakhstan in business, agriculture and agricultural processing. Opportunities to strengthen scientific, educational and cultural ties were also discussed during the event.
Kazakhstan’s Ambassador to Switzerland, K. Sarzhanov, presented key indicators of bilateral economic cooperation. Since 2005, Swiss investment in Kazakhstan has exceeded USD 36.5 billion. In 2025, bilateral trade turnover amounted to USD 1.5 billion.
The initiative to establish the centre was launched by Eurasia Group, which operates in Kazakhstan’s agricultural machinery market. The group’s total investment in Kazakhstan has reached USD 88.5 million. These funds have been directed towards developing service infrastructure, purchasing equipment and training specialists. Since 2025, the company has also been working to localise the production of John Deere agricultural machinery in Kazakhstan.
