Kazakhstan and Italy Discuss Deepening Economic Partnership

On July 16, 2025, an online event titled “Italy Meets Kazakhstan: Uniting Business Communities” was held, dedicated to strengthening trade and economic cooperation between the two countries.

The participants were welcomed by Antonello De Riu, Ambassador of Italy to Kazakhstan; Alibek Kuantyrov, Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Kazakhstan; and Laurent François, Head of International Market Development at Cassa Depositi e Prestiti (CDP).

From the Kazakh side, Assan Zhakishev, Member of the Board and Chief of Staff of the Chamber of International Commerce of Kazakhstan, took part in the discussion and delivered a report on economic trends and cooperation opportunities with Italy.

He noted that Italy ranks among Kazakhstan’s top three trading partners within the European Union and is one of the leading foreign investors. In 2023, the trade turnover between the two countries reached nearly USD 20 billion, which is a 24.2% increase compared to 2022. Of this amount, USD 18.5 billion accounted for exports from Kazakhstan and USD 1.4 billion for imports from Italy.

“We view our relationship as a platform for building sustainable partnerships, production cooperation, and launching joint initiatives. We see particular potential in areas where the competencies of Italian businesses align with Kazakhstan’s natural resources and logistical capabilities,” emphasized Assan Zhakishev.

He also added that in the first quarter of 2025, bilateral trade amounted to USD 4.4 billion, confirming the positive dynamics of the partnership.

In his speech, Assan Zhakishev highlighted Kazakhstan’s strategic role as an industrial and logistics hub in Central Eurasia. The country is actively implementing programs on industrialization, digitalization, green energy development, and production localization, offering favorable conditions for joint projects in processing, logistics, and energy. Special attention is given to the development of the Trans-Caspian Route as a sustainable transport artery between Asia and Europe.

He also noted that the Chamber of International Commerce of Kazakhstan organized over 50 events and supported more than 300 Kazakh companies in entering foreign markets during the first half of 2025.

The online meeting served as an important platform for advancing business dialogue and identifying specific areas of economic cooperation between Kazakhstan and Italy.