Representatives of the business community of Kazakhstan visited Turkmenistan again

In the first ten days of December, the second business mission of the Kazakhstan delegation to Turkmenistan this year was successfully held. It was organized by the Astana Diplomatic Club with the support of the Embassy of Turkmenistan in Kazakhstan.

During the four working days of the business mission, members of the delegation visited Ashgabat, Mary, Arkadag, Turkmenbashi, where they got acquainted with the potential of Turkmen enterprises, presented the opportunities of Kazakh business, outlined promising areas of interaction, and agreed on the further development of cooperation.

One of the key points of the bilateral dialogue was the prospects for cooperation in the transport and logistics sector. The same issue was discussed at negotiations at the Agency of Transport and Communications under the Cabinet of Ministers of Turkmenistan. The parties emphasized the importance of developing transport corridors - road, rail and sea - to ensure the effective movement of goods and the realization of the transit capabilities of our countries.

It is noteworthy that in this context the issue of human capital development and scientific and practical cooperation was raised. In Kazakhstan, on the basis of the Kazakh-British Technical University (KBTU), there is a maritime academy; in addition, it is planned to create a logistics center that will engage in research and development in this area. The university has also opened master's programs in logistics, which are aimed at the restoration and development of the Great Silk Road. The representative of KBTU invited Turkmenistan to join this hub and cooperation in the field of science and proposed to jointly implement scientific projects.

The theme of transport and logistics continued at the next stage of the business mission - in the city of Turkmenbashi, where the international seaport of the same name is located.

Here, the Kazakh delegation visited shipbuilding and ship repair plants, as well as enterprises for growing vegetables and producing plastic pallets. These targeted business visits provided an opportunity to substantively discuss cooperation opportunities in areas of activity that are important for both countries.

As already noted, this is not the first business mission of Kazakhstan to Turkmenistan. Such events are unconditionally effective, since they allow entrepreneurs to learn more about the economic and industrial capabilities of both countries, establish direct contacts with potential partners, and see new opportunities.

The business mission started in the city of Mary, where the delegation visited an enterprise producing sausages, confectionery and dairy products and an enterprise specializing in the production of shoes from local raw materials. Kazakh businessmen also met with representatives of the Union of Industrialists and Entrepreneurs of Mary Velayat, with whom they discussed prospects for cooperation in the field of transport, logistics and agriculture.

The next destination was Ashgabat. There, the business mission had fruitful meetings with the Union of Industrialists and Entrepreneurs of Turkmenistan. The Turkmen side presented the capabilities of local enterprises, the Kazakh delegation introduced the work of their companies. The parties expressed their clear readiness to cooperate, including in such areas as education, agriculture, information technology and drip irrigation in horticulture.

Representatives of the Union of Industrialists and Entrepreneurs of Turkmenistan expressed gratitude for organizing this mission, recognizing the importance of such events for strengthening economic ties between countries. During the conversation, the parties agreed to organize a business forum in Ashgabat in 2024 with the participation of Kazakh businesses. The idea of ​​holding an interregional business forum and exhibition in the tourist zone of Avaza was also voiced and supported.

In Ashgabat, the Kazakh delegation also took part in the International Exhibition of Modern Food Production Technologies Agro Pask Turkmenistan-2023. Such events traditionally help expand the horizons of cooperation.

Afterwards, the business mission headed to Arkadag, where the innovative concept of a “smart city” is being implemented. Energy-saving technologies are already being used here in the construction of residential complexes, “smart” management of social infrastructure, and preparations are underway for the implementation of IT solutions in educational institutions. Considering Kazakhstan’s extensive experience in digitalization, this area also seems very promising for the development of cooperation with Turkmenistan, and the capabilities of Kazakh enterprises were successfully presented within the framework of the business mission (in particular, with regard to the creation of “smart” systems for managing infrastructure, parking, traffic and so on).

Entrepreneurs from Kazakhstan also visited the State Commodity and Raw Materials Exchange of Turkmenistan. Members of the delegation exchanged contacts with Turkmen colleagues and expressed interest in further cooperation.

Thus, in practice, the policy of the two states to expand economic interaction and increase mutual trade is being implemented. Moreover, strengthening business and human contacts creates the basis for a long-term partnership between Kazakhstan and Turkmenistan in the spirit of mutual trust, respect, understanding and benefit.

Following the visit of the Kazakh business delegation to Turkmenistan, the parties agreed to organize a forum of entrepreneurs of the two countries in 2024.