Atameken and Belgian Businesses Discuss Cooperation in Agro-Processing and Environmental Technologies

On October 12, a meeting took place in Astana between Kanat Sharlapayev, Chairman of the Presidium and Chairman of the Management Board of the National Chamber of Entrepreneurs of Kazakhstan “Atameken”, Denis Van den Weyh, President of the BeNiLux Chamber of Commerce, and representatives of Belgian companies. The meeting was held as part of the state visit of King Philippe and Queen Mathilde of Belgium to Kazakhstan.

The discussions focused on strengthening business ties, modernizing the agro-industrial sector, deep processing of agricultural raw materials, and introducing environmentally friendly technologies. Murat Karimsakov, Deputy Chairman of the Management Board of Atameken and Chairman of the Management Board of the Chamber of International Commerce of Kazakhstan, also attended the meeting.

Kanat Sharlapayev noted that Belgium is one of Kazakhstan's key partners in the European Union and ranks sixth among the largest foreign investors in the country's economy. Between 2005 and 2025, Belgian investments amounted to approximately USD 15 billion. In 2025, bilateral trade increased by 27.6%, reaching USD 582.4 million.

During discussions on construction technologies, Kanat Sharlapayev highlighted an operating enterprise in Aktobe, established with the participation of Italian partners and currently managed by the Kazakh side. The enterprise produces natural thermal insulation material from sheep's wool. According to him, this production makes it possible to utilize affordable raw materials that are often discarded or burned, while aligning with ESG principles. Belgian companies were invited to consider using wool-based insulation in residential construction. The Kazakh side expressed its readiness to provide manufacturers' contact details and facilitate access to product samples.

The potential use of rice husks for producing thermal insulation materials was also highlighted. The head of Atameken clarified that processing rice husks into insulation would require a separate production line, whereas wool-based insulation production is already operational.

Denis Van den Weyh, President of the BeNiLux Chamber of Commerce, emphasized the longstanding cooperation with the Kazakh side.

“We have been cooperating with you in various areas for many years. I am pleased to continue our cooperation with the National Chamber,” he said.

Denis Van den Weyh also spoke about the activities of the Business Council, which holds annual meetings, and the organization of Belgian business missions with the support of regional agencies. He emphasized the particular significance of the current mission, taking place as part of the state visit, and announced that a larger Belgian delegation would participate on October 13. Company representatives were given the opportunity to present their activities and cooperation plans with Kazakhstan to facilitate further consideration of potential partnerships and support measures.

During the meeting with Dimitri de Suret, CEO of De Smet Engineers & Contractors, the parties explored cooperation opportunities in oilseed processing, vegetable oil production, sugar beet processing, and grain processing. The company provides comprehensive engineering solutions, from technology development and design to the construction and commissioning of industrial facilities.

Particular attention was paid to the upcoming signing of a framework agreement between De Smet Engineers & Contractors and Qostanai Grain Industry covering engineering, technology transfer, and equipment supply for the construction of a deep wheat processing plant. The signing is scheduled for October 13.

Discussions with Olivier Dufrasne, President of Ecosteryl, focused on prospects for introducing medical waste disinfection and processing technologies. Modernizing hazardous waste management systems, adopting alternatives to traditional incineration, and developing recycling capabilities are relevant priorities for Kazakhstan. The Belgian company's solutions may be of interest to major medical centers and regional hospitals.

The Kazakhstan–Belgium Business Council, established in May 2023 by the Chamber of International Commerce of Kazakhstan and the BeNiLux Chamber of Commerce, was highlighted as an important platform for strengthening ties between the business communities of both countries. Its fourth meeting is scheduled to take place in Astana on October 13.

The National Chamber of Entrepreneurs of Kazakhstan “Atameken” expressed its readiness to facilitate the further development of partnerships and support the implementation of concrete joint initiatives by Kazakh and Belgian companies.