Kazakhstan and Norway strengthen economic partnership: investments, digital solutions and production projects discussed

On May 28, 2025, Astana hosted a meeting between the Foreign Trade Chamber of Kazakhstan and the Eastern Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Norway.

The event was attended by Murat Karimsakov, Chairman of the Board of the Chamber of International Commerce of Kazakhstan, and Olga Larsen, CEO of The Eastern Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Norway. Murat Karimsakov welcomed the guests and noted the recent celebration of the Constitution Day of the Kingdom of Norway, expressing warm congratulations and best wishes. He stressed the importance of the progressive development of bilateral cooperation, which began in 1992 with the establishment of diplomatic relations between the two countries.

The meeting discussed promising areas of economic cooperation, including the implementation of joint projects in the field of sustainable development. Special attention was paid to the localization of the production of fish processing equipment in cooperation with Optimar, the development of green energy with the participation of Scatec, as well as the expansion of cooperation in the paint and varnish industry with Jotun. In particular, attention was paid to continuing the initiatives launched at the First Meeting of the Kazakh-Norwegian Business Council, held on April 8, 2025 in Oslo. The Kazakh side expressed its readiness to host the Second meeting of the Council in Astana.

"By the end of 2024, the trade turnover between Kazakhstan and Norway amounted to 123.1 million US dollars. Kazakh exports increased by 60% and reached $4.8 million, while imports from Norway totaled $118 million. Food products, machinery and equipment, timber and mineral products form the basis of trade," Murat Karimsakov said.

In addition, the meeting participants were presented with the National Digital Investment Platform, which has already registered more than 1,280 projects totaling over 87.6 billion US dollars. The platform ensures transparency, efficiency and reliability of interaction with foreign investors.

The Chamber of International Commerce of Kazakhstan also presented key services for investment project support, export support and assistance to small and medium-sized businesses. One of the new tools will be the eGov Business digital service, which will allow entrepreneurs to receive a wide range of government and business services in a simplified format.