Foreign investment in energy is moving higher on Kazakhstan’s international agenda. Foreign Minister Yermek Kosherbayev and KAZENERGY Chairman Serikkali Brekeshev discussed how the country can use major global industry platforms to attract capital, technology and international energy companies, DKNews.kz reports.
Particular attention was paid to the WPC Energy Congress in Riyadh in 2026 and preparations for Astana to host the next edition in 2028.
Kazakhstan seeks more foreign investment in energy
The meeting focused on further cooperation between the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and KAZENERGY in energy diplomacy and international engagement.
The sides identified several priorities:
- Attracting foreign investment to Kazakhstan’s energy sector
- Expanding cooperation with international energy companies
- Strengthening ties with international organizations and industry associations
- Promoting Kazakhstan’s energy potential abroad
- Expanding international business contacts
- Presenting investment and technological opportunities at global industry events
The discussions show an effort to connect traditional diplomacy more closely with investment promotion in one of Kazakhstan’s most important economic sectors.
Riyadh Congress to become investment platform
Kazakhstan plans to participate in the 25th WPC Energy Congress in Riyadh, scheduled for October 11–15, 2026.
The country intends to use the event to present its investment and technological opportunities to the global energy industry.
The Riyadh gathering will also provide an opportunity to promote Astana as the host of the next WPC Energy Congress in 2028.
For Kazakhstan, this creates a two-stage strategy: use the 2026 event to build international business contacts and then bring companies, investors and industry experts to Astana two years later.
Astana prepares for WPC Energy 2028
The 26th WPC Energy Congress is scheduled to take place in Astana from June 11 to 15, 2028.
The event is expected to bring together major international energy companies, investors, policymakers and experts.
Kazakhstan expects the congress to contribute to international dialogue on the future of energy while expanding the country’s engagement with the global business and expert community.
Hosting such an event could also give Kazakhstan an opportunity to present investment projects directly to decision-makers from major energy corporations.
Foreign Investors’ Council could join the agenda
The sides also discussed the possibility of holding an event linked to the congress’s international business program during the 40th Plenary Session of the Foreign Investors’ Council under the President of Kazakhstan.
Such a format could bring together:
- Government representatives
- Senior executives of major international energy companies
- Leading foreign investors
- Industry experts and business leaders
Combining these platforms could strengthen direct dialogue between policymakers and companies considering investments in Kazakhstan.
Why energy diplomacy matters
Energy remains one of Kazakhstan’s key links with the global economy, but international competition for long-term investment and technology is intensifying.
Energy diplomacy can help the country move beyond simply presenting its natural resources to investors. Global industry platforms provide opportunities to promote infrastructure projects, technological modernization and new forms of international cooperation.
The WPC Energy events are particularly significant because Kazakhstan will first participate in Riyadh as an international industry player and then host the global energy community in Astana in 2028.
The meeting between the Foreign Ministry and KAZENERGY signals that Kazakhstan intends to use both events as investment platforms rather than treating them solely as industry conferences.
The sides confirmed their readiness to continue coordinating efforts to promote Kazakhstan’s energy potential internationally, deepen cooperation with foreign partners and attract new investment into the sector.
