Kazakhstan and the United Kingdom are stepping up economic cooperation in strategic sectors, following talks in London between Foreign Minister Yermek Kosherbayev and the UK’s Acting Minister of State for Business and Trade Chris Bryant, DKNews.kz reports.
The meeting focused on translating strong political dialogue into practical economic outcomes, particularly in high-tech and resource-based industries.
Trade growth and expanding investment
Both sides welcomed the sharp rise in bilateral trade, which reached 1.6 billion US dollars last year — an increase of 84 percent.
British business presence in Kazakhstan also remains significant.
Key indicators highlighted during the meeting included:
- more than 500 UK-affiliated companies operating in Kazakhstan
- major British investments in critical minerals and green energy
- growing cooperation in digital technologies and artificial intelligence
- stable Kazakh oil supplies to European markets
Officials described the current momentum as a strong foundation for deeper strategic engagement.
Critical minerals move into practical phase
A central theme of the talks was cooperation in critical minerals, an area gaining global strategic importance.
Kosherbayev emphasized Kazakhstan’s role as a reliable long-term partner in strengthening diversified supply chains.
Of the 36 minerals designated as strategically important by the UK, 22 are already produced in Kazakhstan, including:
- uranium
- titanium
- silicon
- rhenium
Under the recently signed Roadmap on Critical Minerals, the two countries agreed to intensify cooperation not only in extraction, but also in:
- processing and refining
- recovery of associated components
- development of specialized services
- modern recycling capacity
- transparent financial mechanisms
Officials noted that cooperation is shifting toward higher value creation rather than raw material exports alone.
Energy stability and future expansion
In the energy sector, both sides confirmed the continued stability of Kazakh oil supplies to Europe and explored opportunities for expanding collaboration with British companies.
The discussion also touched on nuclear energy and green transition initiatives, reflecting shared interest in sustainable development.
Education and innovation partnership
Education and technology were another major focus of the talks.
The sides discussed:
- the opening of a new Coventry University campus in Almaty
- plans to expand Heriot-Watt University’s presence
- growth of dual-degree programs and student exchanges
- cooperation in artificial intelligence and satellite technology
Kosherbayev also highlighted the publication of the first Oxford Kazakh dictionary and the launch of Kazakh language courses at Oxford University as symbols of deepening cultural and academic ties.
Why the meeting matters
Analysts say the dialogue reflects a broader shift toward innovation-driven and resource-secure partnerships between Kazakhstan and the United Kingdom.
With global demand for critical minerals, digital infrastructure, and sustainable energy rising, Kazakhstan’s resource base and transit position combined with the UK’s financial and technological expertise create strong complementarities.
At the conclusion of the talks, Chris Bryant reaffirmed the United Kingdom’s commitment to strengthening strategic partnership and advancing practical cooperation in economy, science, and technology.
