Kazakhstan is increasingly seen in Europe not just as a source of raw materials, but as a strategic partner for the green and industrial transition. This message was clearly reflected at a round table held in Berlin titled “New raw materials projects in Kazakhstan: relevant, realistic, and financially viable”, DKNews.kz reports.
The discussion brought together more than 50 representatives of German federal authorities, research and expert institutions, business associations, major financial organizations, and leading German companies. Among them were executives from Deutsche Bank, Commerzbank, KfW, underscoring the strong financial interest behind the dialogue.
A trusted partner in a changing energy world
In his opening remarks, Ambassador of Kazakhstan to Germany Nurlan Onzhanov emphasized that Kazakhstan has long been a reliable partner for Germany and Europe in energy cooperation.
Against the backdrop of the global energy transition, Kazakhstan is positioning itself as a key supplier of critical raw materials needed for decarbonization and technological transformation. According to the Ambassador, the country has all the necessary prerequisites to build sustainable supply chains — a diversified mineral resource base, developed infrastructure, a skilled workforce, and strong industrial capacity.
Why Germany looks to Kazakhstan
During the panel discussion, speakers openly addressed Europe’s growing concerns over raw material security. Peter Buchholz, head of the German Mineral Resources Agency (DERA), Michael Harms, managing director of the German Committee on Eastern European Economic Relations, and Martin Wedig, head of the Association of Foreign Mining and International Raw Materials Activities (FAB), highlighted the urgency of diversifying supply sources.
They stressed that cooperation with Kazakhstan is particularly important for:
- developing joint processing projects, not just extraction;
- improving transparency in supply chains;
- introducing modern and sustainable technologies across the value chain.
“Raw materials for technologies”
A key concept repeatedly emphasized during the event was the formula “raw materials for technologies.” Three thematic sessions were devoted to the extraction and processing of critical materials, as well as the financing of such projects.
Experts and business leaders agreed that Kazakhstan offers not only resources, but also an attractive investment climate and a clear, reliable regulatory framework — essential conditions for long-term industrial cooperation.
Manufacturing, not just mining
Special attention was drawn to the structure of German investments in Kazakhstan. More than 90 percent of German capital flows into the manufacturing sector, rather than primary extraction.
This focus on processing and industrial development reflects the complementary nature of the two economies and lays a solid foundation for sustainable, long-term partnership.
A strategic partnership taking shape
The Berlin round table demonstrated a clear mutual interest in launching new projects and strengthening the strategic partnership between Kazakhstan and Germany.
Rather than short-term deals, both sides are moving toward a model of cooperation built on technology transfer, industrial development, and resilient supply chains — a model that positions Kazakhstan as a key player in Europe’s economic future.
