Kazakhstan and the International Trade Centre Continue to Develop Further Cooperation

Geneva, May 15, 2025 – The Permanent Representative of the Republic of Kazakhstan to the World Trade Organization and International Economic Organizations, Kairat Torebayev, held a meeting with Pamela Coke-Hamilton, Executive Director of the International Trade Centre (ITC).

The parties discussed the current state and future prospects of bilateral cooperation, particularly in the context of the regional Ready4Trade – Central Asia project, implemented with the support of the European Union. Permanent Representative Torebayev expressed appreciation for the results achieved and emphasized that promoting trade, e-commerce, and the development of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) remains a national priority in line with Kazakhstan’s new economic policy outlined by the President of Kazakhstan Kassym-Jomart Tokayev.

Executive Director of ITC underlined the importance of further supporting SMEs and invited Kazakhstan to participate in the Global Ministerial Conference on SMEs, to be held on 22-24 July 2025 in Johannesburg, South Africa, under the auspices of ITC and hosted by the Government of South Africa. The theme of the Conference, “Charting New Frontiers for Business”, will focus on three key pillars: access to finance, digital transformation, and the green transition as drivers of trade-led economic transformation.

Ambassador Torebayev confirmed Kazakhstan’s strong interest in participating in the event, noting that strengthening the role of SMEs in international trade remains an important element of the country’s sustainable development agenda.

The Kazakh side reaffirmed its interest in active participation in future ITC initiatives and emphasized the importance of regular dialogue and coordination at both expert and political levels.

In conclusion, Kazakh diplomat reaffirmed Kazakhstan’s commitment to deepening cooperation with the International Trade Centre in support of sustainable economic growth and the country’s integration into the global trading system.