Kazakhstan’s growing role in international trade and logistics was in focus at the Kazakhstan Commodity Forum held in Geneva on June 11, DKNews.kz reports.
The event, organized with the support of Kazakhstan’s diplomatic missions in Switzerland, gathered around 200 participants, including representatives of government institutions, international financial organizations, and major global companies working in commodity trading, energy, agriculture, transport, and logistics.
Among the participants were executives and experts from Gunvor, Mercuria, Fracht Group, MSC, SOCAR, COFCO, ADM, Louis Dreyfus Company, Cargill, ESM Foundation, and other leading international businesses.
Reforms Continue to Boost Investor Confidence
Opening the forum, Ambassador of Kazakhstan to Switzerland Kairat Sarzhanov emphasized the importance of the country’s ongoing institutional reforms, including the adoption of the new Constitution.
He noted that these reforms have strengthened the rule of law, improved transparency in public administration, and enhanced the protection of investors’ rights. According to the ambassador, the steady expansion of economic cooperation between Kazakhstan and Switzerland demonstrates growing confidence among international partners.
Trade turnover between the two countries reached 1.5 billion USD in 2025, while cumulative Swiss direct investment in Kazakhstan surpassed 36 billion USD. Switzerland is currently the third-largest foreign investor in the country.
Sarzhanov also highlighted Kazakhstan’s advantages amid the restructuring of global supply chains, pointing to its strategic resources, reliable infrastructure, and favorable conditions for long-term cooperation.
Swiss Business Maintains Strong Interest in Kazakhstan
Director General of the Geneva Chamber of Commerce and Industry Vincent Subilia noted that Swiss companies continue to view Kazakhstan as an attractive destination for investment and business expansion.
According to him, approximately 400 companies with Swiss capital are operating in Kazakhstan across a broad range of sectors, including:
- Mining
- Energy
- Transport and logistics
- Infrastructure
- Pharmaceuticals
- Manufacturing
- Financial services
The growing presence of Swiss businesses reflects confidence in Kazakhstan’s economic stability and future prospects.
New Opportunities in Industry and Agriculture
Representatives of Kazakhstan’s national companies presented initiatives aimed at increasing value-added production and expanding export opportunities.
Among the organizations participating in the discussions were:
- Baiterek National Managing Holding
- KazMunayGas
- Food Corporation of Kazakhstan
- National Association of Oilseed Processors
Speakers shared their experience in developing processing industries, strengthening export capacity, and implementing joint investment projects with international partners.
Kazakhstan’s Expanding Role in Global Supply Chains
Panel discussions focused on Kazakhstan’s contribution to energy security, logistics connectivity, and the supply of strategic resources.
Participants paid particular attention to:
- Modernization of the agro-industrial sector
- Expansion of export potential
- Development of processing industries
- Integration into international production chains
- Growth of transport and logistics infrastructure
Experts agreed that Kazakhstan is becoming an increasingly important partner for companies seeking reliable routes, stable supplies, and long-term investment opportunities.
Why the Forum Matters
The Kazakhstan Commodity Forum served as an important platform for dialogue between government representatives, investors, and business leaders.
Discussions confirmed growing international interest in Kazakhstan’s economy and its strategic position between Europe and Asia. The strong participation of leading global companies and positive feedback from attendees highlighted the country’s increasing importance in trade, energy, agriculture, and logistics.
The forum was organized on the initiative of the Commodity Trading Club, with financial support from Harvest Agro.
