Expansion of Trade and Investment Cooperation with Malaysia

On March 27, 2026, a meeting was held between Serik Amirov, Representative of the Chamber of International Commerce of Kazakhstan in ASEAN countries, and Adua Azmil, Head of the Almaty Representative Office of the Malaysia External Trade Development Corporation (“MATRADE”).

For reference: “MATRADE” is a government trade promotion agency under the Ministry of Investment, Trade and Industry (MITI), whose mission is to develop and promote Malaysia’s exports in the global market.

During the meeting, Serik Amirov noted that there is currently a steady interest among Southeast Asian countries in expanding trade and investment cooperation with the states of Central Asia.

To date, Kazakhstan and Malaysia have demonstrated positive dynamics in trade cooperation. According to official data, bilateral trade between Kazakhstan and Malaysia amounted to approximately USD 144.4 million in 2024 and USD 221.1 million in 2025. These figures undoubtedly hold significant growth potential, particularly in terms of exports of Kazakhstani products. It was emphasized that micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) play an important role in Malaysia’s economic development. They account for approximately 96.1% of the total number of companies, provide about 48.7% of employment, contribute 39.5% to GDP, and generate 14.3% of national exports. This sector not only serves as a key driver of the country’s economic system but also enables the dynamic development of economic ties with other regions of the world.

In turn, Adua Azmil highlighted the prospects for cooperation with ASEAN countries. He outlined potential growth areas for trade and economic interaction between Kazakhstan and Malaysia, and announced plans for possible participation of Malaysian companies in the international exhibition “FoodExpo Qazaqstan” in November of this year, as well as participation of Kazakhstani enterprises in the annual international halal exhibition “MIHAS,” to be held in September 2026 in Kuala Lumpur, among other initiatives.

Following the meeting, both sides expressed their readiness to facilitate the expansion of trade and investment cooperation, strengthen contacts, develop supply and distribution channels, attract potential partners, and provide consulting services.