Kazakhstani business is entering a new phase of development. Companies are gradually moving beyond simple trade operations and turning toward production cooperation, joint projects, and higher value-added output. These initiatives are increasingly focused on the markets of Central Asia, China, and South Asia, reflecting a broader shift in the country’s economic strategy, DKNews.kz reports.
One of the clearest examples of this transformation is the growing economic partnership between Kazakhstan and Pakistan.
Kazakhstan–Pakistan: Moving beyond trade
In recent years, economic ties between the two countries have strengthened significantly. Bilateral trade turnover has already exceeded $100 million, with key areas including agriculture, energy, transport, and transit.
For Kazakhstan, one of the most important factors is the opening of new logistics routes through Pakistani ports. These routes offer access to the vast South Asian market and allow Kazakhstan to diversify its logistics chains, reducing dependence on traditional corridors.
From raw materials to added value
These projects reflect a much broader trend. Kazakhstan is gradually moving away from the role of a raw material supplier and is becoming more actively involved in production chains, where most of the added value is created.
This shift allows the country not only to export goods, but also to participate in manufacturing, processing, and industrial cooperation, with finished products aimed at foreign markets. For the economy, this represents a more sustainable and resilient growth model.
Political momentum turning into business action
A major boost to economic cooperation came from the recent visit of President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev to Pakistan. As a result of the visit, 37 agreements and memorandums were signed, along with a joint declaration on strategic partnership.
What matters most is that these documents did not remain symbolic. They created a framework in which private companies began actively moving from discussions to real project implementation.
“Not just to negotiate, but to start working”
One of these practical examples is the initiative launched by Optima Development. According to the company’s CEO, Zhanat Basanov, the goal was clear from the beginning.
“Our objective was not just to come to Pakistan and sign an agreement, but to start working immediately. The next step is scaling up and expanding cooperation,” he said.
This approach reflects a new mindset among Kazakhstani businesses — speed, practicality, and long-term regional thinking.
Recognition backed by real contracts
Last year, the cooperation also received symbolic but meaningful recognition. Pakistani company FrieslandCampina Engro awarded Optima Development for its contribution to the development of the dairy industry.
“For us, this was confirmation that our cooperation delivers real results and is valued by our partners. The award read: ‘In appreciation of your efforts towards the Dairy Industry.’ In May 2025, at a business forum in Karachi, we signed a contract worth $10 million,” Zhanat Basanov noted.
This agreement demonstrated that behind business forums and official meetings stand concrete figures and tangible commitments.
Pakistan–Kazakhstan–China: a new economic axis
Looking ahead, the company plans to actively integrate into regional logistics chains.
“Pakistan – Kazakhstan – China is the next strategic direction for us. We see strong potential in connecting South Asia with China through Kazakhstan as a transit hub. This is not only about dairy products, but also about joint food industry projects, where Kazakhstan can serve as a production base,” Basanov explained.
In essence, this vision positions Kazakhstan not only as a transit country, but as a regional center for manufacturing and processing.
New transport corridors, new opportunities
These initiatives are developing alongside the formation of new transport corridors. Among them are discussions around the Kazakhstan–Turkmenistan–Afghanistan–Pakistan railway route, as well as the expansion of multimodal logistics routes.
Such corridors can significantly reduce delivery times and costs, making regional cooperation more competitive and attractive for business.
When private initiatives support national strategy
Overall, President Tokayev’s visit to Pakistan went far beyond diplomatic symbolism. It provided a strong impulse for real economic activity, helping private businesses transform political agreements into working projects.
Companies like Optima Development demonstrate how private initiatives can become drivers of national economic strategy, contributing to regional integration, industrial development, and the creation of new production capacity.
This shift marks a new stage for Kazakhstan’s economy — from trade to production, from intentions to implementation, and from regional cooperation to a broader international presence.
