The Second Meeting of the Kazakhstan–Norway Business Council Held in Astana

On May 21, the second meeting of the Kazakhstan–Norway Business Council was held in Astana, organized by the Chamber of International Commerce of Kazakhstan and the East Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Norway, with the support of the embassies of both countries. The event brought together representatives of government agencies, businesses, development institutions, and профильных companies from both countries to discuss prospects for bilateral trade, economic, and investment cooperation.

Opening remarks were delivered by Chairman of the Kazakh side of the Business Council and Chairman of the Board of the Chamber of International Commerce of Kazakhstan Murat Karimsakov, Chairman of the Board of Directors of EAST CCI of Norway Ronnie Solberg, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Republic of Kazakhstan to the Kingdom of Norway Adil Tursunov, as well as Board Member of the East Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Norway and Chief Legal Counsel of Eksfin, Ståle Torgerbråten.

In his speech, Murat Karimsakov noted that economic ties between Kazakhstan and Norway have significantly intensified in recent years. In 2025, trade turnover between the two countries increased by 37% and reached approximately USD 170 million. These figures reflect expanding trade flows, the emergence of new areas for cooperation, and, most importantly, the strengthening of trust between businesses and institutions of both countries.

During the meeting, key areas of cooperation were discussed, including energy and the oil and gas sector, agriculture and aquaculture, as well as logistics and sustainable infrastructure.

Particular attention was given to the potential for practical cooperation between Kazakh and Norwegian companies. According to the head of the Chamber, 18 companies with Norwegian participation are currently registered in Kazakhstan (including Jotun and Mill), while the interest of Norwegian businesses in cooperation with Kazakh partners continues to grow.

Representatives of companies and organizations such as Gexcon, Optimar, Jotun, Waister AS, Cambi, Eksfin Agency, Creative & Innovation Institute, KazTransCompany, and the Association of Legal Entities “KIT” took part in the business program.

Murat Karimsakov also emphasized the importance of logistics cooperation, noting that Kazakhstan is a key transit hub of Eurasia and accounts for around 70% of overland transit between China and Europe. This creates additional opportunities for the development of joint infrastructure and transport projects, including along the Middle Corridor.

Following the event, a Memorandum of Understanding was signed between Organic Fish LLP and the Norwegian company Optimar, aimed at further developing cooperation in aquaculture and fish processing.

The Chamber of International Commerce of Kazakhstan continues its systematic work to strengthen international business ties, support export-oriented businesses, and create new platforms for practical cooperation between Kazakh and foreign companies.