Kazakhstan expects to establish a partnership between the Antwerp-Bruges port complex and the ports of Aktau and Kuryk to expand markets for domestic products. President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev said this at the fourth meeting of the Kazakh-Belgian Business Council, the Akorda reported. This was reported by Qazaqyia.kz citing Kursiv Media.
The event was attended by King Philippe of Belgium and Queen Mathilde. Tokayev noted that their presence demonstrates the two countries' commitment to strengthening bilateral partnership.
According to the president, Belgium is among Kazakhstan's ten largest investors. Over the past two decades, Belgian companies have invested more than $15 billion in the country's economy.
More than 100 Belgian and joint ventures operate in Kazakhstan in the agro-industrial complex, healthcare, pharmaceuticals, advanced technologies and energy. Among them are Jan De Nul, Sarens and Ahlers.
In the first eight months of 2026, bilateral trade grew by almost 10%. Tokayev stressed the need to simplify trade procedures and accelerate the growth of turnover. Kazakhstan remains Belgium's largest trading partner in Central Asia.
The president also recalled that 16 years ago Philippe led a trade mission to Kazakhstan that laid the foundation for long-term ties between the business circles of the two countries.
Tokayev named transport and logistics as one of the key areas of cooperation. Kazakhstan is investing in the modernization of railways and roads, seaports and terminals along the Middle Corridor.
"We expect to establish a practical partnership between the Antwerp-Bruges port complex and the ports of Aktau and Kuryk on the Caspian Sea. This will open broader markets for Kazakhstan's metal products, petrochemical and agricultural products," the president said.
He identified artificial intelligence and the technology industry as other priorities. According to Tokayev, the opportunities of AI and digital transformation are being used to implement the AlemAi and Alatau City initiatives, which are intended to become centers for the development of advanced industries. Belgium's experience in semiconductor research, he noted, opens up opportunities for joint projects.
Tokayev invited Belgian companies to participate in deep processing of raw materials, the chemical industry and the production of high-value-added polymer products. He also noted the potential for cooperation in renewable energy, improving energy efficiency, industrial decarbonization and hydrogen production.
The president welcomed the holding of a Kazakh-Belgian round table on critical minerals during the king's visit.
"Our country already produces 21 of the 34 types of raw materials considered critical for European industry, and also supplies titanium and molybdenum products to Belgium," Tokayev said.
According to him, combining Kazakh resources with Belgian investment and technology could become the basis for a strategic partnership. The practical result of the meeting should be concrete investment and technology projects aimed at developing the processing industry.
As an example, Tokayev cited the cooperation between John Cockerill and Qarmet to create capacity for galvanizing and applying protective coatings. He also welcomed the participation of Belgian partners in geological exploration and deep processing of raw materials and metals.
In the agricultural sector, the president proposed developing joint projects to boost productivity, expand agricultural processing and make efficient use of water and land resources.
In medicine, Tokayev noted cooperation with the company IBA to expand access to proton therapy in Kazakhstan. Joint training of specialists and clinical research, he said, will strengthen competencies in treating oncological diseases. He invited Belgian pharmaceutical companies to establish production in the country.
The president also stated Kazakhstan's interest in attracting smart and enterprising people to work together with Kazakhstanis.
"As President of Kazakhstan, I value above all the intellectual abilities of people who come to our country, not their ethnicity," Tokayev stressed.
The head of state spoke about measures to improve the investment climate, strengthen the rule of law, protect fair competition and maintain direct dialogue with investors.
According to him, based on assessments by international research and rating agencies, Kazakhstan recently ranked 34th among the world's most influential states. The name of the rating was not specified in the report.
Tokayev also noted progress in social protection, innovation, digitalization and AI, foreign policy, science and education, ensuring the rule of law, environmental protection, developing ecological culture, supporting volunteering and protecting human rights. He stressed that these principles are enshrined in the new Constitution and are binding on all citizens, including the president.
According to the head of state, the principle of "unity in diversity" serves as the basis for maintaining stability and an open business climate for foreign companies.
Earlier, Kursiv wrote that following talks with the King of Belgium, Tokayev promised to personally oversee the timely implementation of Belgian companies' projects in Kazakhstan. In addition, the foreign ministries of the two countries signed a cooperation roadmap for 2027-2029, providing for regular consultations, strengthening interdepartmental contacts and promoting joint initiatives.