Kazakhstan's development priorities have been presented in Portugal. At an event hosted by the Mário Soares and Maria Barroso Foundation, Ambassador Jean Galiev outlined opportunities for cooperation in investment, infrastructure, renewable energy and artificial intelligence, as part of Kazakhstan's diplomatic engagement with Portugal.
The presentation focused on President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev's State of the Nation Address, titled “Kazakhstan's Current Priorities in a New Historical Cycle,” delivered on October 28, 2026, DKNews.kz reports.
The discussion brought Kazakhstan's domestic development agenda into a European setting, examining how the country's economic and technological priorities could create opportunities for cooperation with Portuguese institutions and businesses.
Seven areas identified for Kazakhstan–Portugal cooperation
Ambassador Jean Galiev presented the main priorities of Tokayev's address, emphasizing sectors where Kazakhstan and Portugal could develop mutually beneficial partnerships.
The discussion covered seven areas:
- Industry and investment: opportunities for joint projects and stronger business cooperation.
- Transport and logistics: infrastructure development and improved connectivity.
- Energy transition: modernization of energy systems and development of renewable energy.
- Water resource management: potential cooperation in efficient and sustainable water use.
- Digitalization and artificial intelligence: technological development and the adoption of advanced digital solutions.
- Social infrastructure: opportunities to improve essential services and public infrastructure.
- Education and scientific research: academic partnerships and cooperation between research institutions.
Participants noted that Portugal has considerable potential in these fields. However, they emphasized that future cooperation should be based on practical considerations and careful evaluation of individual projects.
No specific investment agreements or project launches were announced as part of the discussion.
Portugal's experience could support Kazakhstan's modernization
The presentation highlighted several areas where Portuguese expertise could complement Kazakhstan's development priorities.
Renewable energy and water management were among the subjects discussed, alongside infrastructure modernization and the use of digital technologies.
For Kazakhstan, these areas are relevant to efforts to diversify the economy, improve infrastructure and introduce advanced technologies.
For Portuguese organizations and businesses, the discussions offered an opportunity to examine potential partnerships with Kazakhstan in sectors extending beyond traditional trade.
The participants stressed that identifying areas of common interest is only an initial step. Any future projects would require further consultations and assessment of their economic and practical feasibility.
João Soares comments on Kazakhstan's development priorities
João Soares, Chairman of the Foundation's Board of Directors, participated in the discussion.
A former member of Portugal's Assembly of the Republic and former Mayor of Lisbon, Soares expressed appreciation for President Tokayev's efforts to modernize Kazakhstan.
According to the information presented at the event, he highlighted the country's priorities in economic diversification, infrastructure development, investment in human capital and the introduction of advanced technologies.
He also noted the importance of strengthening state institutions and Kazakhstan's international standing.
His remarks reflected the discussion's broader focus on the relationship between domestic reforms, economic modernization and international cooperation.
Why the Mário Soares Foundation matters
The event took place at the Mário Soares and Maria Barroso Foundation, a Portuguese nonprofit organization recognized as serving the public interest.
The foundation was established in 1991 at the initiative of Mário Soares, who served as both Prime Minister and President of Portugal.
Hosting the presentation at the foundation provided a platform for discussing Kazakhstan's development agenda with Portuguese representatives outside the framework of formal intergovernmental negotiations.
The meeting also illustrated how diplomatic engagement can involve public institutions and organizations concerned with political, economic and social development.
What the discussion means for Kazakhstan–Portugal relations
The presentation did not result in announced contracts or investment commitments. Its immediate significance was the identification of sectors where the two countries could explore future cooperation.
Industrial development, clean energy, artificial intelligence and scientific research were among the areas considered particularly relevant.
Further progress will depend on whether institutions and businesses from both countries identify specific projects and establish practical cooperation mechanisms.
Earlier, we reported on Kazakhstan's efforts to expand economic cooperation with Portugal, including Ambassador Galiev's meetings in Guimarães focused on industrial partnerships, innovation, education and investment opportunities.
