KazCIC represented the positions of Kazakhstani business at the Kazakhstan–Estonia Business Forum

On 18 November 2025, the Kazakhstan–Estonia Business Forum was held in Astana with the participation of representatives of government bodies, business circles and sectoral associations of both countries. The forum was attended by the President of the Republic of Kazakhstan Kassym-Jomart Tokayev and the President of the Republic of Estonia Alar Karis, underscoring the high level of bilateral dialogue. The Chamber of International Commerce of Kazakhstan (KazCIC) actively participated in the event, presenting current positions and priorities for the development of cooperation.

The forum opened with welcoming remarks from the Kazakhstan and Estonia sides, followed by panel sessions dedicated to digitalization, logistics and prospects for expanding economic cooperation. In his speech, Chairman of the Board of KazCIC Murat Karimsakov outlined the key areas of cooperation and emphasized the importance of consistent institutional support for business relations.

During his remarks, he highlighted the need to create a stable platform for regular dialogue between entrepreneurs of the two countries. KazCIC proposed establishing a Kazakhstan–Estonia Business Council as a working mechanism to deepen business contacts, promote joint initiatives and expand companies’ access to each other’s markets. The possibility of opening trade houses in both countries was also proposed to support promotion and broaden the range of goods supplied to both markets.

Special attention during the forum was given to the activities of Estonia companies operating in Kazakhstan. “Currently, 74 enterprises with the participation of Estonia capital operate in our country. Among them are companies that have already made a significant contribution to the development of various sectors of our economy: Bolt, Omniva, Logsoft, Windoor, KazAzotBalt, and others. The active presence of Estonia companies in Kazakhstan is a clear confirmation of mutual trust and strong interest in further strengthening our partnership,” emphasized Murat Karimsakov, Chairman of the Board of KazCIC.

The country’s major ports — Tallinn, Sillamäe, Muuga and Paldiski — expressed openness to cooperation with the Kazakh side both in cargo transportation and exchange of expertise. Kazakhstan also stands ready to explore possible cooperation with Estonia ports.

One of the key strategic steps highlighted was the support measures introduced by Estonia to assist Kazakh exporters. The national railway operator Eesti Raudtee implemented a preferential tariff for the transportation of agricultural products, while the MGT Muuga Grain Terminal provided long-term free storage for grain. As a result, more than 200 thousand tons of Kazakh wheat, flax and rapeseed have already been shipped to global markets through Estonia.

It should be recalled that on 17 November 2025, during the official visit of the President of the Republic of Estonia to Kazakhstan, a Memorandum of Understanding was signed. The document was signed by CICC Chairman of the Board Murat Karimsakov and Chairman of the Estonian Chamber of Commerce and Industry Oliver Veertnou in the presence of the Heads of State. The Memorandum serves as an important mechanism for deepening business cooperation, expanding cooperation formats and strengthening the institutional platform for developing partnership.