Kazakhstan is betting on trade. At the UN, the country presented investment, private business, and regional projects as the foundation for long-term economic cooperation rather than dependence on international assistance, DKNews.kz reports.
Kazakhstan’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations, Kairat Umarov, made the remarks at the Trade Over Aid Forum organized by the US Mission to the UN as part of the UN High-Level Political Forum on Sustainable Development.
More Than 600 US Companies Already Operate in Kazakhstan
One of Kazakhstan’s key arguments was the existing presence of American business in the country’s economy.
According to information presented at the forum, more than 600 US companies operate in Kazakhstan. Umarov said this reflects a high level of international business confidence in Kazakhstan as a stable, reliable, and predictable partner.
For the Trade Over Aid model, that figure has direct relevance. The discussion goes beyond government programs to private-sector presence, investment, and commercial ties.
Kazakhstan also highlighted its ongoing political and economic reforms aimed at strengthening the rule of law, improving the investment climate, and creating favorable conditions for doing business.
Trade Over Aid Puts Commercial Ties Ahead of Long-Term Assistance
The US-backed Trade Over Aid initiative is based on the idea that sustainable economic growth should rely primarily on trade, foreign direct investment, joint ventures, and entrepreneurship.
The approach does not envisage abandoning international assistance altogether. Aid continues to play a role in meeting humanitarian needs and supporting development.
The shift concerns the long-term development model: instead of relying on continued external assistance, countries are encouraged to create conditions that attract capital and strengthen their own private sectors.
Trade Over Aid forums are expected to bring together governments, international organizations, and businesses to discuss economic reforms. The initiative also provides for a digital library of proposals on capacity building and economic reform in developing countries.
C5+1 Expands the Economic Agenda Between Central Asia and the US
Kairat Umarov also highlighted the C5+1 format, which brings together the five Central Asian states and the United States.
Cooperation within the format covers trade and investment, transport connectivity, digital transformation, and energy.
According to the Kazakh side, additional momentum came from the meeting of Central Asian and US leaders held in Washington in November 2025.
For Kazakhstan, this agenda links regional cooperation with economic sectors where government-level agreements can develop into investment and business projects.
UN Center in Almaty Could Bring Governments and Business Together
Umarov also focused on the UN Regional Center for the Sustainable Development Goals for Central Asia and Afghanistan being established in Almaty.
Kazakhstan does not view it solely as another UN structure.
According to Umarov, the Center could become a practical platform bringing together regional governments, the UN system, international financial institutions, and the private sector.
That approach aligns with the logic of Trade Over Aid: international institutions remain part of the development system, while business and investment take on a more prominent role in delivering concrete projects.
Kazakhstan Wants to Turn Opportunities Into Projects
At the forum, Umarov reaffirmed Kazakhstan’s commitment to an open economy, regional connectivity, and mutually beneficial cooperation.
The emphasis was on practical results: working with international partners to turn trade and investment opportunities into concrete projects.
The presence of more than 600 US companies already operating in Kazakhstan provides Astana with an existing base. The next question is how far the Trade Over Aid format can expand direct economic interaction between businesses and governments across Central Asia.
