Kazakhstan and Korea Strengthen Business Ties with Focus on Logistics, Investment and Technology

As part of the state visit of President of the Republic of Kazakhstan Kassym-Jomart Tokayev to the Republic of Korea, Kanat Sharlapaev, Chairman of the Presidium of the National Chamber of Entrepreneurs of the Republic of Kazakhstan “Atameken,” participated in a number of key business events held in Seoul on September 14–16.

On September 14, Kanat Sharlapaev spoke at the “Republic of Kazakhstan – Republic of Korea: Transport and Logistics” Business Forum. The main topics included the development of air cargo, rail and maritime transportation, multimodal routes and transport infrastructure, as well as the expansion of transit opportunities between East Asia, Central Asia and Europe.

In his remarks, the Chairman of the Presidium of the National Chamber of Entrepreneurs of the Republic of Kazakhstan “Atameken” emphasized the need to move from framework agreements to the implementation of specific joint projects. Priorities include expanding direct transport links, increasing rail and multimodal freight volumes, developing air cargo services, attracting Korean investment in Kazakhstan’s transport and logistics infrastructure, introducing digital solutions and establishing sustainable supply chains connecting Korea, Kazakhstan, Central Asia, China and Europe.

On September 15, Kanat Sharlapaev participated in the Kazakhstan–Korea Business Roundtable attended by representatives of the business communities of both countries. During the event, Alatau Smart City projects were presented, new areas of cooperation were discussed, and commercial documents were exchanged. As part of the business program of the state visit, Kazakhstan and Korea signed agreements worth approximately USD 19 billion.

The concluding event was the First Korea–Central Asia 2026 Business Summit, dedicated to the prospects for economic cooperation, growth and innovation. The focus was on trade and investment cooperation, critical minerals, energy, sustainable supply chains, industrial cooperation, infrastructure and logistics. The first Korea–Central Asia Summit was held on September 16 with the participation of the leaders of the Republic of Korea and the five Central Asian states, while the business program focused on translating agreements into practical projects.

Following the Business Summit, Kanat Sharlapaev signed the Joint Statement of the First Korea–Central Asia 2026 Business Summit on behalf of Kazakhstan’s business community. The document was signed by representatives of the business communities of Kazakhstan, the Republic of Korea, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan.

The Joint Statement provides for the development of cooperation in three key areas: expanding trade and investment, including artificial intelligence and digital technologies; cooperation in critical minerals, energy and supply chains; and the development of industrial cooperation, infrastructure and logistics.

The parties also expressed their intention to expand direct contacts between business organizations and companies and to translate the identified areas of cooperation into specific projects and practical outcomes.