By Eduard Wolter
Published on
A decade after the 2015 Enhanced Partnership and Cooperation Agreement (EPCA), the EU is now Kazakhstan’s largest trading and investment partner, Tokayev says. According to the head of state, Kazakhstan’s economy is being modernised and diversified for the mutual benefit of both sides: “The partnership between Kazakhstan and the European Union is more important today than ever before. And that is why it must be strengthened.”
Tokayev identified three main strategic objectives: firstly, strengthening resilience; secondly, expanding connectivity in all its forms; and thirdly, creating new opportunities for citizens.
A pragmatic and constructive approach to international cooperation
Tokayev sees the geopolitical situation as being at a critical stage: „Resurgent competition is rapidly reshaping trade, technology and investment flows. Global supply chains are newly vulnerable. Trade and economic interdependence now fall prey to national security.“
Rather than retreating into rival blocs, partnerships should be formed – based on respect and shared interests. Kazakhstan, it is said, acts as a connection between Europe and Asia. And this connecting role is underpinned by growing economic strength. The aim is to achieve a GDP of 306 trillion dollars by 2026.
Tokayev: „Every traveller understands that the more uncertain the journey, the greater the value of dependable companions. As our world grows more uncertain, Kazakhstan and Europe are already fellow travellers.“
The 73-year-old emphasises that Kazakhstan pursues a pragmatic and constructive approach to international cooperation, is firmly committed to the United Nations Charter, and strives for the peaceful resolution of conflicts. In a nutshell, he sums up Kazakhstan’s view of the partnership as: “We may not always agree, but we know each other.”
Greater cooperation in agriculture and food security
According to the President, Kazakhstan currently supplies nearly 13% of the EU’s crude oil imports and 16% of its natural uranium imports, and he suggests that there should also be greater cooperation in the areas of agriculture and food security. Kazakhstan is one of the world’s major grain producers and exporters, with strong potential for European markets that need to diversify. And Europe’s knowledge, technologies and investments could lead to even higher yields.
Kassym-Jomart Tokayev also wishes to combine Kazakhstan’s resources in critical raw materials, renewable technologies, energy efficiency and new industries with Europe’s knowledge, technologies and investment.
He describes his fundamental approach in his opinion piece for Euronews as follows: a partnership that creates value at every stage through advanced processing, technology transfer, research partnerships and joint ventures.
‘Connectivity means more than moving goods faster across borders’
The President of the Republic of Kazakhstan cites another example, transportation routes: „That is why we are developing the Middle Corridor between Europe and Asia, which aligns naturally with the EU’s Global Gateway strategy. But connectivity means more than moving goods faster across borders. The Middle Corridor is better understood as the backbone of an emerging system linking Europe’s markets and economic engines with Central Asia’s resources, emerging industrial base, and logistics potential.“
However, today, digital connectivity also encompasses artificial intelligence, digital governance, innovation ecosystems and trusted technologies. Kazakhstan has set itself ambitious goals in this area, aiming to become a digital state, digitise its public administration and invest in AI.
For this process, the country is relying on European tech companies “to ensure that technological progress remains inclusive, secure and human-centred”, says Tokayev.
A strategic partnership that above all benefits the citizens
Ultimately, however, a strategic partnership must above all benefit the citizens, Tokayev insists, pointing to progress in issuing visas to students, researchers, and entrepreneurs.
Another example is Kazakhstan’s participation in Erasmus+ and Horizon Europe.
Kazakhstan is a nation undergoing renewal; for the first time since independence, it has a new constitution based on law and order as well as the protection of fundamental human rights and freedoms.
„It also reinforces a set of comprehensive political and economic reforms aimed at strengthening public accountability and enhancing the effectiveness of institutions under the formula “Strong President, Influential Parliament and Accountable Government”.
Partners and investors would gain access to new markets, reliable rules, and transparent economic policies.
Summing up his position the president says: „The good news is that Europe and Kazakhstan already have most of the tools and inputs to enhance their partnership. Together we will innovate the rest.“