Kazakhstan to Strengthen Economic Cooperation with Malaysia

Ipoh, May 12, 2025 – Ambassador of Kazakhstan to Malaysia, Bulat Sugurbayev, held a meeting with the Chief Minister of Perak, YAB Dato’ Seri Saarani bin Mohamad, to explore potential areas of cooperation aligned with the state’s strategic development agenda. The discussion highlighted promising opportunities in agriculture, digital transformation, halal production, education, and tourism.

Ambassador Sugurbayev emphasized Kazakhstan’s global standing in e-government development and its robust efforts in advancing the IT sector. He expressed Kazakhstan’s readiness to expand partnerships in digital innovation and technological exchange. The Perak state government, meanwhile, is placing strong emphasis on enhancing food security and investing in the requisite infrastructure to support sustainable growth in the sector. Chief Minister Saarani extended an invitation to Kazakhstani investors to participate in joint ventures, particularly in the halal industry, noting Perak’s potential as a regional hub for halal production and export.

Education and tourism also emerged as key sectors for collaboration. Given the active development of industrial production sectors and substantial investments from both multinational and local corporations in the state’s economy, the Kazakhstani diplomat emphasized the potential for student exchanges, joint research initiatives, and the implementation of academic programs between institutions in both countries.

Saarani also highlighted Perak’s readiness to develop its tourism sector and expressed his interest in fostering greater tourist flows.

The meeting concluded with a mutual agreement to pursue concrete initiatives aimed at strengthening economic, educational, and cultural ties between Kazakhstan and the state of Perak.

Kazakh Ambassador also visited “Proton City,” a multifunctional township developed by Malaysia’s first and leading car manufacturer, Proton. The township encompasses the company’s headquarters, production facilities, and social infrastructure supporting its workforce.

The Kazakh delegation briefed the Malaysian company on Kazakhstan’s economic potential and investor-friendly environment. Ambassador Sugurbayev held discussions with Proton’s leadership on the prospects of entering the Kazakh market, including the potential for localizing production in the future. Both sides expressed interest in continuing dialogue and cooperation in this direction.

In addition, Ambassador Sugurbayev, visited the headquarters of Hovid, a leading Malaysian pharmaceutical company.

During the visit, Kazakh diplomats presented investment opportunities within Kazakhstan’s pharmaceutical sector. Discussions focused on potential collaboration between Hovid and pharmaceutical as well as distribution companies in Kazakhstan. Particular attention was given to opportunities for localizing production, technology transfer, and supplying products to the Kazakh market.

The Ambassador highlighted the significant potential for developing bilateral cooperation in the field of healthcare and expressed readiness to provide comprehensive support in establishing direct contacts between Malaysian and Kazakhstani companies.

According to Hovid Executive Director Sara Ho, given the company’s export-oriented production, Hovid is actively strengthening its global partnerships and is interested in expanding its presence in Central Asia.

At the conclusion of the meeting, both sides reaffirmed their mutual interest in developing a sustainable dialogue and implementing joint projects that contribute to the strengthening of Kazakh-Malaysian relations.

Hovid is one of the leading pharmaceutical companies in Malaysia, with a history spanning over 80 years. Its portfolio includes more than 400 products, including generics, over-the-counter medicines, and dietary supplements. The company exports its products to over 50 countries worldwide, reflecting the high quality and competitiveness of its pharmaceuticals. Hovid operates modern manufacturing facilities certified according to international GMP and ISO standards and is actively developing its research and development capabilities.