Kazakhstan continues to strengthen its economic diplomacy in Europe, positioning itself as a key investment destination at the crossroads of Eurasia. This strategic approach was reflected in a recent meeting between H.E. Mr. Abzal Saparbekuly, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Republic of Kazakhstan to Hungary, and Mr. László Wolf, Member of the Board of Directors and Deputy CEO of OTP Bank, one of Central and Eastern Europe’s leading financial institutions, DKNews.kz reports.
The discussions took place against the backdrop of growing European interest in Central Asia, driven by shifting global supply chains, the search for new growth markets and Kazakhstan’s increasingly visible role as a regional economic hub.
Economic diplomacy with a clear investment focus
During the meeting, Ambassador Saparbekuly provided a detailed overview of the current state of economic and investment cooperation between Kazakhstan and Hungary. He also outlined upcoming economic events and business platforms that could serve as entry points for Hungarian companies seeking to explore opportunities in the Kazakh market.
Special attention was given to Kazakhstan’s investment potential and its evolving business environment. The Ambassador highlighted the country’s macroeconomic stability, ongoing structural reforms and a range of incentives designed to support foreign investors. These include preferential regimes within special economic zones, government-backed investment support mechanisms and access to broader regional markets across Central Asia and Eurasia.
Emphasizing the importance of deeper engagement, Ambassador Saparbekuly encouraged closer cooperation aimed at increasing the presence and activity of Hungarian companies in Kazakhstan, particularly through partnerships with financial institutions capable of supporting long-term investment projects.
Kazakhstan as a gateway to new opportunities
For his part, Mr. László Wolf described Kazakhstan as a promising and attractive market for Hungarian businesses. He noted that the country is increasingly viewed not only as a standalone economy, but also as a strategic platform for expansion across Central Asia.
According to Mr. Wolf, Kazakhstan’s combination of economic scale, reform-driven development and openness to foreign capital creates new opportunities for companies looking to diversify their international footprint. He expressed his personal support for the Embassy’s efforts to strengthen economic ties and underlined OTP Bank’s interest in contributing to closer business cooperation between the two countries.
Financial sector as a driver of bilateral cooperation
The involvement of OTP Bank in the dialogue underscores the growing role of the financial sector in Kazakhstan-Hungary relations. As one of the most influential banking groups in the region, OTP Bank’s interest signals broader confidence in Kazakhstan’s economic trajectory and investment climate.
Analysts note that cooperation with major European financial institutions can play a critical role in facilitating cross-border investment, financing joint ventures and supporting infrastructure and industrial projects. For Kazakhstan, such partnerships also offer access to international expertise, modern financial solutions and global business networks.
Strengthening Kazakhstan’s economic presence in Europe
The meeting in Budapest forms part of Kazakhstan’s broader strategy to deepen economic engagement with European partners. As Central Asia gains prominence in global economic and geopolitical discussions, Kazakhstan is actively working to position itself as a reliable, open and forward-looking partner for international investors.
High-level contacts between diplomatic missions and senior executives of major financial institutions send a clear message to global markets: Kazakhstan is open for business and ready to expand cooperation with European companies seeking long-term growth opportunities.
