By the end of 2025, Kazakhstan's trade turnover with the CAREC countries reached $8.8 billion, an increase of 14.4%. The volume of foreign direct investment in the country's economy has exceeded $30 billion since 2005. This was stated by Deputy Prime Minister - Minister of National Economy Serik Zhumangarin, speaking in Almaty at the opening of the second Tien Shan Forum on Economic Cooperation in Central Asia.
Among the main directions within the framework of the Central Asian Regional Economic Cooperation (CAREC) program The Deputy Prime Minister mentioned the expansion of mutual trade, the development of transport and logistics ties and the attraction of high-quality investments.
"Our common task is not only to increase trade volumes, but also to consistently eliminate barriers, simplify trade procedures, develop e–commerce and expand entrepreneurs' access to the markets of neighboring countries," Serik Zhumangarin said.
Another area is the development of transport infrastructure. Kazakhstan is expanding the capacity of transport corridors, modernizing railway and automobile infrastructure, and developing multimodal transportation. To speed up cross-border transport, it is also necessary to ensure the compatibility of transport systems, digitalize border procedures and reduce cargo transit time.
The volume of Kazakhstani investments in the CAREC countries has exceeded $4 billion. More than 28 thousand enterprises from the countries of the region and over 2.5 thousand joint ventures are registered in Kazakhstan. According to the Deputy Prime Minister, it is important not only to increase the volume of investments, but also to direct them to the creation of new industries, the introduction of modern technologies, increasing labor productivity and the production of high-value-added products.
Kazakhstan is interested in expanding cooperation with international financial institutions in the fields of transport and logistics, industry, agriculture, energy and digital infrastructure.
Other issues on the regional agenda include digitalization of trade and logistics, climate change and rational use of water resources.
The second Tien Shan Forum, dedicated to the theme "Strengthening sustainable connectivity and quality investments in Central Asia", is taking place on November 2-3 in Almaty. The organizers are the CAREC Institute and the Ministry of National Economy of the Republic of Kazakhstan, with the participation of the Asian Development Bank as a strategic partner.
Up to 400 people are expected to participate in the event, including representatives of the governments of the CAREC countries, international financial institutions, development organizations, businesses and the expert community.
For reference: The first Tien Shan Forum on Economic Cooperation in Central Asia was held on December 2-3, 2025 in Urumqi (China). The event was organized by the CAREC Institute with the support of the People's Government of the Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region and the Asian Development Bank. The event brought together over 300 participants from the CAREC countries, international organizations, financial institutions, and the private sector.
CAREC is a Central Asian Regional Economic Cooperation program that unites 10 countries: China, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Uzbekistan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, Azerbaijan, Georgia, Mongolia, and Pakistan. The program is aimed at developing regional cooperation in the fields of transport, trade, energy and other areas.
https://www.gov.kz/org/economy/press/news/details/1321981?lang=ru
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