Belgian companies have invested more than $15 billion in Kazakhstan's economy over the past 20 years. This was reported by Qazaqyia.kz citing Sputnik Kazakhstan.
This was stated by Head of State Kassym-Jomart Tokayev at the fourth meeting of the Kazakhstan-Belgium Business Council. According to the President, Belgium is among Kazakhstan's top ten investors.
"Currently, more than 100 Belgian and joint enterprises operate in the country in the fields of agro-industry, medicine, pharmaceuticals, energy and technology. In the eight months of this year, trade turnover between the two countries increased by approximately 10%," Tokayev said.
The Head of State noted that Kazakhstan produces 21 of the 34 types of raw materials needed by European industry. According to him, combining Kazakhstan's natural resources with Belgium's technological capabilities opens the way for developing strategic partnership.
The President called on Belgian companies to participate in joint projects in geological exploration, raw material and metal processing. The Head of State also focused on strengthening transport and logistics links between Kazakhstan and Belgium.
In particular, he mentioned the possibility of establishing a partnership between the Antwerp-Bruges port complex and the ports of Aktau and Kuryk. This would help bring Kazakh metal, petrochemical and agricultural products to international markets.
The President also noted the importance of cooperation in artificial intelligence and digital technologies. Kazakhstan is developing the AlemAi and Alatau City projects and is interested in using Belgium's experience in semiconductor research.
In the energy sector, joint projects in renewable energy sources, energy efficiency, industrial decarbonization and hydrogen production could be considered.
In addition, Tokayev invited Belgian pharmaceutical companies to open production facilities in Kazakhstan. King Philippe said that Kazakhstan and Belgium have great opportunities to deepen cooperation in energy, critical minerals, transport and logistics, finance and tourism.