The Chamber of International Commerce of Kazakhstan Participated in the Eighth Meeting of the CICA Business Council in Baku

On May 20, 2025, the eighth meeting of the Business Council of the Conference on Interaction and Confidence-Building Measures in Asia (CICA) was held in Baku. The Chamber of International Commerce of Kazakhstan participated in the event, presenting the topic: “Industrial Cooperation and SME Participation in Global Value Chains (GVC).”

The opening ceremony of the meeting was led by CICA Secretary General, Ambassador Kairat Sarybay, and Chairman of the Business Council Orkhan Mammadov. In his remarks, Kairat Sarybay emphasized that the CICA Business Council is recognized as a key advisory body bringing together business communities and government agencies. He also announced the release of an interactive e-book for SMEs in Asia. This e-book was developed at an initial stage by Azerbaijan, Kazakhstan, Türkiye, and Russia—countries that are members of the CICA Business Council Board.

Orkhan Mammadov emphasized that CICA aims to focus on practical initiatives that can benefit businesses. One such initiative is the e-book for SME guidance and development, presented by the Secretariat. This project serves as a valuable resource providing practical recommendations on starting and developing a business, accessing finance, and entering new markets. It includes essential information on business registration, the regulatory framework, and available financing and investment opportunities.

The meeting focused on the following pressing issues:

- Discussion of key challenges and opportunities for SME development in the fields of digitalization, the green economy, and cross-border trade within the CICA region;

- Industrial cooperation and SME participation in global value chains (GVC);

- Strengthening regional economic cooperation through the promotion of innovation, adoption of technologies, and sustainable business models;

- Providing CICA member states with a networking platform for sharing best practices and discussing policy foundations that support SME growth.

Deputy Chairman of the CICA Business Council from Kazakhstan and Chairman of the Chamber of International Commerce of Kazakhstan, Murat Karimsakov, emphasized the importance of industrial cooperation and SME participation in global value chains (GVC). He highlighted that by the end of 2024, Kazakhstan’s trade turnover with CICA countries amounted to approximately USD 78 billion. CICA countries possess significant natural resources, undeniable geographical advantages, and high technological potential, which makes it possible to implement a full range of actions to bring products to foreign markets within the framework of industrial cooperation (Global Value Chains - GVC).

Mr. Karimsakov also noted that in Kazakhstan, the industrial production index in 2024 reached approximately 106%. In the first three months of 2025, a steady positive dynamic in the manufacturing sector continues — at the level of 8.7%, which reflects the country’s potential to deepen industrial cooperation and expand participation in global value chains (GVCs).

Kazakhstan is actively developing cooperation with CICA member states in areas such as the agro-industrial complex, healthcare, education, IT, tourism, and others. Joint projects include the development of the international Trans-Caspian transport route (Middle Corridor), the operation of Azersun Holding’s logistics center in the “Aktau Sea Port” SEZ, and more.

It is also worth noting that representatives from Thailand, Türkiye, Russia, Palestine, Kyrgyzstan, Iran, India, China, and Uzbekistan participated in the CICA Business Council meeting. Following the Council meeting, a business forum was held, which included panel sessions on the topics: “Enhancing SME Competitiveness in CICA Countries” and “Sustainable Development and the Role of Women in SMEs.” In addition, a Memorandum of Cooperation was signed between the Azerbaijan Women’s Entrepreneurship Development Association and the Kazakhstan Association for Business, Society, and Government Relations. The CICA Secretariat also presented the e-book on SME guidance in Asia.