Astana Sets the Pace: Kazakhstan and Türkiye Elevate Economic Partnership to a New Level

April 15, 2026
Kazakhstan and Türkiye are strengthening their economic partnership, moving toward the practical implementation of joint industrial, infrastructure, and investment projects. A Kazakhstan–Türkiye roundtable was held in Astana with the participation of the Prime Minister of the Republic of Kazakhstan, Olzhas Bektenov, and the Vice President of the Republic of Türkiye, Cevdet Yılmaz. The session was moderated by Kanat Sharlapayev, Chairman of the Presidium of the National Chamber of Entrepreneurs of the Republic of Kazakhstan “Atameken.” The meeting effectively formalized a new architecture of economic cooperation based on the active involvement of the business community in shaping concrete projects and sectoral solutions.

A key emphasis was placed on the transition to a practical model of cooperation, where intergovernmental dialogue is complemented by the direct participation of leading companies from both countries. In this context, Kanat Sharlapayev noted that Kazakhstan–Türkiye relations are rooted in historically strong brotherhood and a stable partnership, which today is evolving into a new level of economic cooperation encompassing industry, investment, and trade.

Prime Minister of the Republic of Kazakhstan Olzhas Bektenov emphasized:
“In line with the instructions of President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev, the Government of Kazakhstan is carrying out systematic work to launch a new investment cycle and increase the volume of high-quality investments. We are interested in further developing partnerships with Turkish businesses. Kazakhstan has the necessary resources and opportunities for this. In this regard, the Government of Kazakhstan is ready to provide comprehensive support for new projects.”

Vice President of the Republic of Türkiye Cevdet Yılmaz confirmed Türkiye’s interest in expanding its industrial and investment presence in Kazakhstan and in developing long-term partnerships.

The economic foundation of the dialogue is reinforced by the steady growth in bilateral trade. By the end of 2025, trade turnover between Kazakhstan and Türkiye reached USD 5.41 billion, marking an 8.8% year-on-year increase. Kazakhstan’s exports amounted to USD 3.9 billion, growing by 17.7%, reflecting the strengthening position of Kazakhstani products in the Turkish market and the diversification of export structure. Imports from Türkiye totaled USD 1.51 billion, maintaining a balanced trade structure and confirming the устойчивый характер economic exchange between the two countries. Additionally, from 2005 to 2025, the gross inflow of foreign direct investment from Türkiye into Kazakhstan reached USD 6 billion, with investments totaling USD 389.5 million in 2025 alone.

Business participation plays a particularly important role in the new model of interaction, effectively shaping the sectoral contours of future cooperation. On the Kazakhstani side, participants included JSC Kaspi.kz, Freedom Holding Corp., KazZinc LLP, BI Group, and JSC Bank CenterCredit. The Turkish side was represented by Tiryaki Holding, YDA Holding, Abdi İbrahim, Nobel, Orzax Group, Rams Global, Repkon Holding, and Taşyapı İnşaat, as well as business associations MUSIAD and TUKIB, along with other major Turkish companies and business organizations.

The discussion of business projects demonstrated a shift toward concrete investment solutions and sectoral initiatives. Chairman of the Management Board and co-founder of JSC Kaspi.kz, Mikhail Lomtadze, highlighted the growing investment cooperation between Kazakhstan and Türkiye and emphasized the importance of the company’s investments in the development of digital platforms, including international assets. Chief Executive Officer of Freedom Holding Corp., Timur Turlov, identified Türkiye as a strategically important capital market with strong dynamics and significant potential for expanding financial services and investment instruments. Chairman of the Management Board of KazZinc LLP, Zhanat Zhanbotin, emphasized prospects for cooperation in metallurgy, engineering, and the implementation of artificial intelligence technologies aimed at improving production efficiency. Managing Director of JSC Bank CenterCredit, Marat Karibzhanov, highlighted the importance of long-term financing and the development of joint project support mechanisms. BI Group co-shareholder Askhat Omarov outlined a transition to next-generation urban development models based on digital technologies, BIM solutions, and human-centric planning principles.

In addition, specific project initiatives forming a practical investment agenda were presented during the discussions. These include the construction of an agricultural processing plant in Astana, development of a logistics center in Aktobe, expansion of pharmaceutical production in Almaty, launch of aluminum production in Shymkent, agrochemical projects in the North Kazakhstan region, as well as initiatives in construction, energy, agro-processing, and the production of consumer and industrial goods.

The overall set of initiatives reflects the formation of a sustainable investment portfolio for Kazakhstan–Türkiye cooperation, combining industrial collaboration, infrastructure development, and technological transformation. Currently, more than 5,700 enterprises with Turkish capital operate in Kazakhstan, of which over 3,700 are actively engaged. A significant role in expanding cooperation is played by the Astana International Financial Centre, where 70 companies with Turkish participation are registered, operating across a wide range of sectors—from finance and ICT to industry and construction.

The roundtable confirmed that Kazakhstan–Türkiye partnership is entering a phase of practical implementation of joint projects, forming a sustainable platform for long-term economic cooperation based on investment, industrial collaboration, and technological development. The event was held with the support of the National Chamber of Entrepreneurs of the Republic of Kazakhstan “Atameken” and the Chamber of International Commerce of Kazakhstan.