Kazakhstan and France Explore New Horizons of Investment Cooperation, DKnews.kz reports.
The Kazakhstan–France Business Forum was held in Astana with the participation of Prime Minister of the Republic of Kazakhstan Olzhas Bektenov and Minister Delegate for Foreign Trade and French Nationals Abroad of the French Republic Laurent Saint-Martin. The forum served as a key platform for discussing opportunities to expand partnerships and attract French investments into strategic sectors of Kazakhstan’s economy, including energy, agribusiness, healthcare, transport infrastructure, and sustainable urban development.
MEAE / Emily Bücker
The event gathered around 300 delegates, including representatives from government bodies, regional administrations, business communities, and industry associations of both countries. On the French side, the forum brought together executives from leading companies such as Vinci, Sanofi, Schneider Electric, EDF, Veolia, Limagrain, Egis, Orano, Danone, Air Liquide, Bonduelle, Axens, Richel, IMV Technologies, as well as regional chambers of commerce and MEDEF International. From Kazakhstan, the event was attended by the Akims of the Zhambyl and Karaganda regions, heads of sectoral ministries, national companies, and members of the business community.
MEAE / Emily Bücker
The forum featured a plenary session titled “Strengthening, Diversification, and Innovation – Prospects for Franco-Kazakh Relations” and four parallel panel discussions on energy and transport infrastructure development, food security and agricultural cooperation, healthcare and biotechnology, and sustainable urban development and public utilities.
MEAE / Emily Bücker
During the plenary session, Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Kazakhstan Alibek Kuantyrov highlighted the growing investment and economic partnership between Kazakhstan and France.
“France is one of Kazakhstan’s key political and economic partners in the European Union. Over 170 companies with French capital operate in our country, including well-known brands such as TotalEnergies, Orano, Alstom, Vicat, Danone, Air Liquide, and others. France consistently ranks among Kazakhstan’s top 10 trading partners and is the largest EU investor in our economy, with total investments exceeding $17 billion. In 2023 alone, six joint projects worth about $300 million were implemented, and over 20 initiatives are currently under development. We highly value the contribution of French businesses to Kazakhstan’s economic development and remain committed to creating a favorable environment for investors,” he said.
MEAE / Emily Bücker
French speakers expressed strong interest in expanding their presence in Kazakhstan and emphasized their readiness to implement joint projects in priority sectors. Special attention was given to sustainable development, production localization, technology transfer, and strengthening B2B cooperation.
MEAE / Emily Bücker
The forum concluded with the signing of several commercial agreements aimed at advancing joint initiatives across various economic sectors. B2B and B2G meetings also took place, where participants discussed specific projects and practical opportunities for collaboration between Kazakh and French companies, as well as engagement with government stakeholders.
