Central Asian Business Representatives Expand Business Ties in South Africa

Ambassador of the Republic of Kazakhstan Yerkin Akhinzhanov participated in a business forum held in Johannesburg, which brought together representatives of the business communities of Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Russia and South Africa. The event focused on discussing prospects for the development of trade, economic, investment and transport-logistics cooperation between the countries of Central Asia and the states of the African continent.

The forum was attended by representatives of companies operating in industry, telecommunications, the agro-industrial sector, logistics, construction, education, distribution and the jewelery industry, as well as representatives of South Africa's business community and expert circles.

During his remarks, Ambassador of Kazakhstan Yerkin Akhinzhanov informed participants about ongoing efforts to promote trade, economic and investment cooperation with the countries of Southern Africa, and highlighted the growing potential for interregional cooperation between the countries of Central Asia and the states of the African continent.

Particular attention was paid to the development of transport and logistics connectivity between the regions, including the potential of the Middle Corridor as one of the key international routes contributing to the resilience of global supply chains, the diversification of transport flows, and the expansion of access to new markets.

On the sidelines of the forum, a Memorandum of Understanding was signed between the South Africa - Kazakhstan Trading and Cultural Association (SAKTCA) and Central Asia Group (CAG). The document is aimed at strengthening interaction between business communities, as well as developing trade, economic, investment, cultural and educational ties.

During their stay in the Republic of South Africa, representatives of the business community also visited a number of enterprises and infrastructure facilities in the Gauteng and Western Cape provinces that are of interest for the development of cooperation in the mining industry, the agro-industrial complex and logistics.

A separate meeting was held with representatives of the Cape Chamber of Commerce, during which opportunities for expanding direct business contacts, attracting investment and further developing economic cooperation between business communities were discussed.

The South Africa and Kazakhstan Trading and Culture Association (SAKTCA), established in 2024, is an organization aimed at promoting and strengthening bilateral cooperation between the Republic of Kazakhstan and the Republic of South Africa in the fields of trade, investment, culture, education, tourism, and public initiatives. The Association serves as a platform for interaction between businesses, institutions, and expert communities of both countries.

The Central Asia Group (CAG), established in 2003, is an international consulting company specializing in market entry, risk analysis, and strategic business advisory services in Central Asia, Southeast Asia, and Africa.