On October 22, 2026, in Bern, Minister of Trade and Integration of the Republic of Kazakhstan Arman Shakkaliyev met with President of the Swiss Confederation and Head of the Federal Department of Economic Affairs, Education and Research Guy Parmelin.
Guy Parmelin spoke warmly of Kazakhstan and highly praised the level of bilateral cooperation. The Swiss President fondly recalled his visit to Astana in November 2025, during which he held talks with President of the Republic of Kazakhstan Kassym-Jomart Tokayev and participated in the 5th meeting of the Kazakhstan–Switzerland Business Council. According to Guy Parmelin, the agreements reached at that time gave fresh impetus to the development of trade and economic ties between the two countries.
Guy Parmelin highly praised the extensive political and economic reforms being implemented in Kazakhstan under the leadership of the Head of State. He noted the adoption of the new Constitution of the Republic of Kazakhstan through a nationwide referendum and the establishment of a unicameral Parliament, the Kurultai. In the Swiss side’s view, these transformations strengthen the country’s institutional stability and enhance its investment attractiveness. The Swiss President also expressed his admiration for Kazakhstan’s dynamic economic development and achievements in digitalization, emphasizing that Switzerland views Kazakhstan as a reliable and promising partner in Central Asia.
Guy Parmelin highly appreciated cooperation between Kazakhstan and Switzerland within the Bretton Woods institutions and the World Bank Group, where Kazakhstan is part of the constituency led by Switzerland.
The Swiss President also highlighted preparations for the Geneva AI Summit, scheduled for June 21–22, 2027. Guy Parmelin noted that he was impressed by Kazakhstan’s consistent progress in developing its digital economy and artificial intelligence technologies. He expressed confidence that the summit would serve as an important platform for sharing experience and developing common approaches to the responsible use of AI, including with Kazakhstan’s participation.
During the meeting, the parties discussed the current state and prospects of Kazakhstan–Switzerland trade and economic cooperation. Particular attention was paid to expanding bilateral trade, increasing investment cooperation, and developing industrial collaboration.
Arman Shakkaliyev briefed the Swiss side on the outcomes of the 12th meeting of the Kazakhstan–Switzerland Intergovernmental Commission on Trade and Economic Cooperation, held earlier that day in Bern. The Minister noted that the agreements reached provide a foundation for further deepening cooperation in agricultural exports, infrastructure, energy, critical raw materials, digitalization, and innovation. He also highlighted the signing, at the conclusion of the meeting, of a Roadmap for Cooperation Development between the National Nuclear Center of the Republic of Kazakhstan and NAGRA.
The Kazakh side reaffirmed its interest in attracting Swiss investment and technology to priority sectors of the economy and invited Swiss companies to engage in industrial cooperation and implement joint projects in Kazakhstan. The Minister emphasized Kazakhstan’s readiness to provide comprehensive support to Swiss businesses.
Both sides expressed confidence that implementing the agreements reached at the highest level and during the Intergovernmental Commission meeting would further strengthen trade and economic ties between the Republic of Kazakhstan and the Swiss Confederation.
