II Meeting of the Kazakhstan–Netherlands Business Council Held in Astana

On June 23, 2026, the II Meeting of the Kazakhstan–Netherlands Business Council was held in Astana, aimed at further strengthening trade, economic, investment, and business cooperation between Kazakhstan and the Netherlands.

The event was attended by H.E. Akan Rakhmetullin, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Republic of Kazakhstan to the Kingdom of the Netherlands; H.E. Nico Schermers, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Kingdom of the Netherlands to the Republic of Kazakhstan; Dana Kassymova, Acting Chairwoman of the Board / Advisor to the Chairman of the Board of the Chamber of International Commerce of Kazakhstan; Arsen Meyrembayev, Director General of the Benelux Chamber of Commerce in Kazakhstan; as well as representatives of the business communities of both countries.

In her remarks, Dana Kassymova noted that the Netherlands is one of Kazakhstan’s key economic partners within the European Union and has remained the largest foreign investor in the country’s economy for many years. Direct investments from the Netherlands into Kazakhstan exceeded USD 124 billion between 2005 and 2025. At the same time, the potential for bilateral trade and economic cooperation remains significantly higher than current figures. In 2025, bilateral trade between Kazakhstan and the Netherlands increased by 11%, surpassing USD 6 billion.

Kazakhstan’s main exports to the Netherlands include crude oil, petroleum products, ferroalloys, and titanium. In 2025, Kazakhstan’s exports to the Netherlands reached USD 6 billion, representing a 13% increase compared to 2024. In turn, Kazakhstan imports pharmaceuticals, machinery and equipment, high-tech medical and veterinary devices, as well as agricultural products, including flowers, from the Netherlands.

Today, more than 700 companies with Dutch participation operate successfully in Kazakhstan, including such well-known companies as Shell, Van Oord, APM Terminals, and Philips. Shell is involved in major oil and gas projects at the Kashagan and Karachaganak fields. Van Oord participates in marine construction projects at the ports of Aktau and Kuryk. APM Terminals actively contributes to the development of the Trans-Caspian International Transport Route (Middle Corridor). Philips supplies medical equipment to healthcare institutions across Kazakhstan.

During the meeting, participants emphasized that Kazakhstan’s priorities in economic diversification, transport and logistics infrastructure development, agribusiness, digitalization, green energy, and sustainable development closely align with the technological and investment strengths of the Netherlands.

Particular attention was paid to the development of the Trans-Caspian International Transport Route (Middle Corridor). Kazakhstan currently accounts for approximately 70% of overland transit between China and Europe, creating new opportunities for Dutch companies to participate in transport, port, logistics, and infrastructure projects.

Dana Kassymova noted that the Kazakhstan–Netherlands Business Council serves as an important institutional platform for direct dialogue between the business communities of the two countries.

"Today's meeting confirms the strong mutual interest of the business communities of Kazakhstan and the Netherlands in further expanding trade, economic, and investment cooperation. We are confident that the combination of Kazakhstan’s economic potential and the Netherlands’ innovative expertise creates a solid foundation for new joint projects and long-term strategic partnership," said Dana Kassymova.

Following the meeting, participants reaffirmed their commitment to expanding business cooperation, strengthening partnership ties, and implementing new joint initiatives between Kazakhstan and the Netherlands.