New B5+Italy Business Platform Launched in Astana

The first meeting of the B5+Italy Dialogue Platform was held in Astana, bringing together representatives of government agencies, business associations, development institutions, and companies from Italy and Central Asian countries.

One of the key outcomes of the event was the adoption of a Joint Statement on the launch of the platform. The new format is designed to ensure regular dialogue between government and business, facilitate the preparation of joint investment projects, and expand direct contacts between entrepreneurs from Central Asia and Italy.

The plenary session was attended by Arman Shakkaliyev, Minister of Trade and Integration of the Republic of Kazakhstan; Maria Tripodi, Undersecretary of State at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation of Italy; representatives of relevant government agencies of Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, and Uzbekistan; Matteo Zoppas, President of the Italian Trade Agency; and Murat Karimsakov, Deputy Chairman of the Management Board of the Atameken National Chamber of Entrepreneurs of the Republic of Kazakhstan and Chairman of the Board of the Chamber of International Commerce of Kazakhstan.

Speaking at the opening session, the head of the Chamber proposed focusing the platform’s work on the preparation of concrete projects and deals. In particular, the Chamber of International Commerce of Kazakhstan expressed its readiness to work with partners to develop a unified list of priority investment and technology projects across the region.

“The Dialogue Platform should become a permanent mechanism through which new ideas are transformed into concrete contracts and joint projects,” Murat Karimsakov said.

Industrial production, the processing of critical minerals, energy, the agro-industrial sector, and transport infrastructure were identified as promising areas of cooperation. Italian companies are interested in entering the Central Asian market, while the countries of the region seek to attract Italian technology, investment, and industrial expertise.

Particular attention was paid to the Middle Corridor. Italian businesses were invited to participate in the modernization of ports, terminals, and digital systems required to increase freight traffic between Asia and Europe.

Another practical area of cooperation will be the establishment of a business support mechanism. It is expected to assist companies in finding partners, navigating administrative procedures, and implementing projects at the B2B and B2G levels. The Chamber of International Commerce of Kazakhstan expressed its readiness to serve as a link between Italian companies, Kazakh businesses, and government agencies.

The event also featured sector-specific sessions on critical minerals, the energy transition, water resources, environmental sustainability, the Middle Corridor, and the deep processing of agricultural products. The forum concluded with direct negotiations between companies from Central Asia and Italy, as well as meetings with representatives of government agencies and development institutions.