Kazakhstan firmly on path to progress 35 years after its Independence

“Kuwaiti citizens can freely visit and stay in Kazakhstan for up to 30 days without visa requirements. Over the last three years there has been an increase in passenger traffic between the two countries due to the launch in December 2021 of a direct flight by Jazeera Airways between Kuwait City and Almaty City. These flights provide an opportunity for thousands of Kuwaitis to visit Kazakhstan.”

Over the past 10 years, the total volume of foreign direct investment from the State of Kuwait in the economy of the Republic of Kazakhstan amounted to $45.3 million in various sectors, including in agriculture, construction and infrastructure development, trade and retail business

The Times Kuwait Special Report

In a recent interview with The Times Kuwait, Ambassador of Kazakhstan H.E. Azamat Berdybay spoke at length on his country’s robust relations with Kuwait in various fields, including in political, economic, and cultural domains

Ambassador Berdybay began by telling us about the significance of Kazakhstan Republic Day, which is observed every year on 25 October, and the rapid pace of developments in his nation following independence.

“On 25 October, Kazakhstan celebrates Republic Day, a day of unique significance as it marks the turning point in 1990 when Kazakhstan declared its sovereignty. This declaration was more than just a political statement; it marked the country’s commitment to its people to determine a destiny that reflected their aspirations and cultural identity. For Kazakhstanis, this day is special; it reminds us all once again, especially in this difficult period of global turbulence, of the value of independence for every citizen.

“Kazakhstan’s journey since gaining sovereignty can be considered remarkable. The country quickly adopted a constitution, defined the roles of the President, Parliament, and Government, and has since held several rounds of competitive elections. The last few years have been particularly significant for Kazakhstan. The country has made significant progress towards democratization, exemplified by large-scale political, economic and social reforms.

The country is focusing on industrial and economic self-sufficiency, especially the development of the manufacturing sector and diversification of the economy. The aim is to reduce dependence on imports and to create highly efficient clusters in various sectors. Today, Kazakhstan is the largest economy in Central Asia. Since gaining sovereignty, the country’s standard of living has skyrocketed and the quality of health care and education has improved.”

Expanding on bilateral relations between Kazakhstan and Kuwait, the Kazakh envoy stated: “I am pleased to note that in January, 2025 we will celebrate the 32nd anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Kazakhstan and Kuwait, which took place on 11 January, 1993.

“In this regard, I would like to emphasize that Kazakhstan views Kuwait as one of Kazakhstan’s reliable partners in the Middle East and the Arab region.

The convergence of approaches to the key problems of our time makes it possible to develop regular political dialogue and establish constructive interaction in the international arena, including within the framework of the UN, OIC, CICA, OPEC and others.

“The treaty-legal base of Kazakhstan-Kuwait relations today includes more than 20 interstate, intergovernmental and interdepartmental agreements and memorandums. These documents have determined the main content and nature of the development of partnership between the two countries in all areas of mutual interest.

“Regular political contacts between the two countries are the key to the consistent development of cooperation between Kazakhstan and Kuwait. At the same time, the established trustful political dialogue between our countries, similarity of positions on many topical issues of the international agenda, and absence of problematic issues in bilateral cooperation, creates a favourable climate for further active development of relations between Kazakhstan and the State of Kuwait.

“In this regard, I would like to highlight the bilateral meeting between the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs of Kazakhstan, Murat Nurtleu, and Minister of Foreign Affairs of Kuwait, Abdullah Ali Al-Yahya on 5 March, 2024, in Jeddah City on the sidelines of the Extraordinary Session of the OIC Ministerial Council. During the meeting, substantial and fruitful negotiations took place. A high level of mutual understanding and trust between the countries was confirmed, and the prospects for the development of Kazakh-Kuwaiti cooperation in trade, economic and investment spheres were discussed.

“The parties agreed to continue the implementation of the agreements reached during the meeting between the President of the Republic of Kazakhstan Kassym-Jomart Tokayev and the then Crown Prince of Kuwait His Highness Sheikh Mishaal Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah, held on the sidelines of the first Central Asia – Gulf Cooperation Council Summit in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia in July 2023.

“I am confident that the results of the above-mentioned meetings will give an additional impetus to the further development of comprehensive cooperation between the Republic of Kazakhstan and the State of Kuwait, as well as strengthen friendship and mutual understanding between our countries and peoples.”

In reply to a question on economic and cultural exchanges between the two countries, the ambassador noted: “Kazakhstan’s desire for progress is also evident in the country’s economic history, which has earned it international recognition. With vast reserves of oil, gas, minerals and metals, the country has effectively utilized its natural wealth. Strategic infrastructure developments, attractive foreign investment and diversification initiatives have transformed Kazakhstan from an agrarian country into a leading economic power in the Central Asian region.

“In the IMD World Competitiveness Ranking 2024, Kazakhstan ranked 35th among 67 countries, up 8 positions compared to 2022. The study evaluates such factors as Economic Performance, Government Efficiency, Business Efficiency and Infrastructure.

“In the context of the development of trade and economic relations between Kazakhstan and Kuwait, I would like to note the increase in trade turnover from year to year. In particular, trade turnover between Kazakhstan and Kuwait at the end of 2023 amounted to $3.7 million, including exports from Kazakhstan to Kuwait amounted to $3 million, and imports to Kazakhstan from Kuwait amounted to $670,000. The trade turnover for January-August 2024 amounted to $3.1 million, where exports amounted to $2.3 million and imports amounted to $800,000.

“At the same time, in our opinion, the Intergovernmental Agreement on Tax Avoidance and Prevention of Fiscal Evasion with Respect to Taxes on Income, which is expected to be signed in the near future, should give a positive impetus to the development of trade cooperation between Kazakhstan and Kuwait. I am confident that we will continue to make efforts and take our interaction with the State of Kuwait to new frontiers in order to further develop cooperation between our countries.

“Speaking of cultural exchange, the Kazakh community in Kuwait is not very large, not more than 100 people. They have all lived in Kuwait for quite a long time and have friendly relations among themselves. Most of them are employed in the oil and education sectors. Since 2008 there has been a student exchange program with Kuwait University, with Kazakh students enrolled in a two-year language learning program at the university’s Language Center.

“Also, we are currently concluding an agreement in the field of culture and art exchange between the two countries, which also provides for the exchange of students studying in the field of theatre art. In addition, on the sports side, athletes from both countries actively participate in various sports competitions held both in Kazakhstan and Kuwait, including in judo, karate, bench shooting and fencing. Athletes of our countries always show good results in sports and take prizes at competitions.”

Elaborating on the opportunities and scope for international investment in Kazakhstan, Ambassador Berdybay pointed out that the Kazakh government is working tirelessly to improve the investment climate in the country to meet the best international standards.

He added, “Firstly, Kazakhstan has created an appropriate legislative framework by signing 49 bilateral and multilateral investment agreements guaranteeing investors’ rights. Secondly, the country has developed many platforms for effective communication and resolution of emerging issues. For example, the Foreign Investors Council, chaired by the President, deals with strategic investor issues, while the Investment Climate Improvement Council and the Investment Council under the Prime Minister addresses systemic and current investor issues.

“Since 1993, Kazakhstan has attracted $441 billion in foreign direct investment, which is evidence of the growing investor confidence in the country. This is the result of specific reforms and initiatives undertaken over the years, including the establishment of the Astana International Financial Centre (AIFC). In 2024, more than 3,000 companies from 82 countries are registered in this financial centre. Since 2018, more than $12 billion worth of investments have been attracted through the AIFC platform.

“In the ranking of the best markets for investment, compiled by fDi Intelligence, in 2024 Kazakhstan in the category of emerging markets took 6th position in terms of the dynamics of attracting foreign direct investment.

“Since Kazakhstan is the undisputed leader among Central Asian countries due to its positive investment climate and legal protection of investors, the Middle East countries, including Kuwait, are becoming increasingly interested in our country.

Over the past 10 years, the total volume of foreign direct investment from the State of Kuwait in the economy of the Republic of Kazakhstan amounted to $45.3 million in various sectors, including in agriculture, construction and infrastructure development, trade and retail business

“In addition, hundreds of capital-intensive projects are being implemented in Kazakhstan, a number of investment projects are also under discussion, and our countries intend to strengthen bilateral economic cooperation in this direction.”

Indicating the significant role Kazakhstan can play in enhancing food security in Kuwait, the ambassador stated: “Kazakhstan attaches particular importance to the issue of strengthening food security in the area of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) with a total population of more than 1.7 billion people. That is why Kazakhstan initiated the establishment of the Islamic Organization for Food Security, actively helping to expand the membership of the Organization, and intends to continue work in that direction.

“In 2016, the 7th Islamic Ministerial Conference on Food Security of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation member countries was held in Astana. Within the framework of the conference, the establishment of the Islamic Organization for Food Security (IOFC) was announced. At that time, 31 countries of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation, including the State of Kuwait, became members of the organization.

“In March 2018, the Statutes of the IOFC entered into full legal force. The headquarters of the Organization is located in the capital of Kazakhstan. The main objective of the IOFC is to consolidate the capacities of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation member states in the field of food security. Currently, 41 countries are members of the OIC, of which 18, including Kazakhstan and Kuwait, have ratified the Charter of the organization.

“Today Kuwait is one of the most influential member states of IOFC, actively supporting all programs and initiatives of the organization. IOFC opens prospects for fruitful cooperation between Kazakhstan and Kuwait aimed at improving food security in both countries.”

Turning to the tourism potential of Kazakhstan, and the increasing number of visitors to his country, Ambassador Berdybay noted that Kazakhstan has a significant tourism potential due to its diverse natural and cultural heritage, as well as a variety of cultural and religious trends, as it is  located at the crossroads of Europe and Asia.

He went on to add, “Due to its unique geographical location, Kazakhstan offers untouched corners of nature in a variety of landscapes. Tourists can visit ancient cities along the Great Silk Road, steppes and lakes of Central Kazakhstan, the world’s largest high-altitude complex for winter sports Medeu, modern slopes of Shymbulak ski resort, and the coast of the Caspian Sea—the largest closed water body in the world.

“In addition, in Kazakhstan you can find deserts that can amaze any tourist, the famous Sharyn Canyon in the south of Kazakhstan, as well as forests in the north of the country. Kazakhstan has 13 national parks and 10 reserves located in different parts of the country.

“Kuwaiti citizens can freely visit and stay in Kazakhstan for up to 30 days without visa requirements. Over the last three years there has been an increase in passenger traffic between the two countries due to the launch in December 2021 of a direct flight by Jazeera Airways between Kuwait City and Almaty City. These flights provide an opportunity for thousands of Kuwaitis to visit Kazakhstan.”

Speaking about his experiences in Kuwait during his tenure in the country, the ambassador stated, “A trusting dialogue has been established between our countries, our positions are similar on many topical issues and the culture and fundamental values of our peoples are very similar to each other. This creates favourable conditions for any Kazakhstani to stay here.

“The hospitality and openness of the locals gave me a deeper understanding of cultural values such as the importance of family and kinship ties, respect and honoring elders. I was impressed by how important their traditions are to them and how willingly they share them with foreigners.

“From the first day of my life in Kuwait I felt like I was in my native land. I would like to note especially that the Kuwaiti people are very open and friendly; they are always ready to help and share advice. The atmosphere in the country is also very cozy and it is favorable to staying for a long time. Every day I discover something new around me: from the picturesque streets to the great colorful cuisine, especially local traditional cuisine, which surprises me with its variety of flavors.”