President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev proposed launching a partnership program in microelectronics with the participation of the Bavarian Chips Alliance. He announced the initiative at the opening of the Kazakhstan-Bavaria technology forum in Munich. This was reported by Qazaqyia.kz citing Kursiv Media.
Goals of the program
The program is intended to unite Kazakh companies, research organizations and development institutions with the Bavarian semiconductor industry ecosystem. Tokayev noted that companies such as Infineon Technologies, Siltronic and Rohde & Schwarz operate in Bavaria.
"For Kazakhstan, a realistic starting point is not large-scale chip production, but those links in the value chain that directly contribute to the development of our industry," the president said.
Energy and industry
According to him, the energy, mining and metallurgical sectors, transport and manufacturing are increasingly dependent on power electronics, sensors, measurement systems and complex automated control systems.
Tokayev named the development of advanced manufacturing as another priority. Kazakhstan is expanding capacity in mechanical engineering, metallurgy, the electrical industry and the production of industrial components. At the same time, according to the president, further growth in labor productivity will increasingly depend on automation, robotization and digital management of production processes.
Experience of Siemens and KUKA
Tokayev noted the competencies of Siemens and KUKA in industrial automation, robotics and production technologies. Large Kazakh enterprises, including Qarmet, according to him, can provide stable demand and reliable partnership ties.
"Our ambitions can be expressed in a simple formula: 'Made in Kazakhstan using Bavarian technologies and with German quality'," the head of state said.
Critical materials
A separate area of cooperation concerns critical materials. Tokayev said that Kazakhstan is ready to become a long-term supplier of copper, titanium, aluminum, beryllium, tantalum and niobium for German industry, which seeks to ensure reliability and diversify sources of resource supplies.
The president also proposed that Bavarian business jointly develop industrial and logistics hubs along the Trans-Caspian International Transport Route. He emphasized the importance of reliable transport and logistics links for new production facilities to enter international markets.
Bavaria as a key partner
In his speech, Tokayev called Bavaria one of Kazakhstan's key trading partners among Germany's federal states, one of Europe's leading industrial regions and a recognized center of engineering and high technology. He noted the region's combination of technological progress and industrial achievements with cultural heritage, traditions and innovation.
"For our citizens, the 'Made in Germany' label has always been synonymous with quality and reliability. That is why I considered it important to personally visit Munich for a direct dialogue with the political leadership and representatives of Bavaria's business circles," Tokayev said.
Exports and investors
He named oil, ferroalloys, steel, iron, copper, aluminum, inorganic chemicals, oilseeds and grain as the main goods of Kazakh exports.
The president noted the presence in Kazakhstan of Siemens, Siemens Energy, Knauf, Horsch and other Bavarian companies. According to him, the next stage of economic relations with Germany should be linked to advanced technologies, high-tech production and joint entry into new markets.
Tokayev also spoke about improving conditions for investors, the work of the Investment Headquarters under the government and the Astana International Financial Centre.
Forum outcomes
The forum brought together representatives of business, industry and the technology sector. Participation in it concluded the program of the Kazakh president's official visit to Germany.
Earlier, Kursiv wrote that Tokayev held meetings with Bavarian Prime Minister Markus Söder, Landtag President Ilse Aigner and Economics Minister Hubert Aiwanger. In addition to business cooperation, the parties discussed inter-parliamentary interaction and cultural and humanitarian ties. The president also said he would be glad to receive Söder in Kazakhstan.