The Chamber of International Commerce of Kazakhstan and JICA discussed strategic partnership

On 24 April 2025, a meeting between the Chamber of International Commerce of  Kazakhstan and representatives of the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) took place in Astana, during which the parties discussed topical and promising areas of bilateral cooperation.

The talks centred on expanding cooperation in supporting small and medium-sized businesses, developing joint production initiatives, as well as implementing sustainable development projects. Of particular interest was the JICA Biz initiative - a platform aimed at facilitating the entry of Japanese SMEs into foreign markets.

Mr Satoshi Tsuji, advisor on the development of the JICA project, expressed a high interest in establishing systematic work with the Chamber of International Commerce of Kazakhstan as a specialised institution with a wide business network and opportunities to promote joint projects. As a result of the negotiations, practical enquiries from Japanese companies interested in entering the Kazakhstan market were initiated.

In addition, the meeting focused on the implementation of the One Village One Product (OVOP) programme, which is already demonstrating positive results in the regions of Kazakhstan. Both parties expressed their willingness to scale up this initiative.

Murat Karimsakov, Chairman of the Chamber of International Commerce of Kazakhstan, said: "We fully share JICA's strategic priorities and are ready to act as a bridge between Japanese initiatives and Kazakhstani entrepreneurs. The Foreign Trade Chamber of Kazakhstan as an open business platform has the necessary resources and contacts to support partnership projects at all stages - from finding reliable partners to coordinating logistical and organisational solutions".

The parties also expressed mutual interest in establishing a bilateral JICA - The Chamber of International Commerce of  Kazakhstan working group, as well as considering the possibility of signing a Memorandum of Understanding, which will become the basis for sustainable and long-term co-operation.