Bern, October 2A roundtable dedicated to the constitutional reform and the prospects for Kazakhstan’s socioeconomic development took place in Switzerland. The event brought together members of the Federal Assembly and representatives of the Confederation’s government bodies, expert community and academic circles.
Addressing the event, Ambassador of Kazakhstan to Switzerland Kairat Sarzhanov provided information on the adoption of the new Constitution, the establishment of the unicameral Quryltai and the results of the parliamentary elections, the work of the advisory body, the Halyk Kenesi, and the introduction of the instutite of Vice President.
The diplomat noted that these steps aim to establish an optimal balance in relations between the branches of government and to redistribute powers effectively among them, helping to create favourable conditions for the development of the economy, human capital, education, science and innovation as part of the drive to build a Just Kazakhstan. The steady and dynamic development of the Kazakh–Swiss partnership across all areas was also highlighted.
Particular attention was paid to Kazakhstan’s foreign policy priorities as a middle power seeking to strengthen ties across Eurasia, achieve the Sustainable Development Goals, strengthen the role of the United Nations, and promote peace and security in the region and globally.
Participants showed keen interest in the information on Kazakhstan’s political transformation and economic development priorities. The ensuing discussion highlighted the strong momentum of political dialogue between the two countries, including active interparliamentary engagement, and the significant potential for deepening trade and investment cooperation. In 2025, bilateral trade amounted to 1.5 billion dollars, while cumulative Swiss direct investment in Kazakhstan’s economy exceeded 36 billion dollars, making Switzerland the country’s third-largest foreign investor. These views were echoed by Roland Büchel, a member of the lower house of the Federal Assembly, Filippo Lombardi, a representative of the municipality of Lugano and former President of the upper house of the Swiss Parliament; Jochen Janssen, an adviser at the Federal Department of Economic Affairs; and representatives of the federal diplomatic service and the board of the Swiss Foreign Policy Association.
June 22, 2026, Geneva - A roundtable titled “Central Asia in Transformation: A New Vision of National and Regional Development” was held in Geneva, dedicated to current transformation processes in Central Asian countries and the region’s development prospects.
The event brought together ambassadors and permanent representatives of Central Asian states, members of the diplomatic corps, representatives of the UN system and international organizations, think tanks, non-governmental organizations, as well as academic and expert communities.
In his remarks, the Ambassador of the Republic of Kazakhstan to the Swiss Confederation,
Kairat Sarzhanov, noted that Central Asia is undergoing an important stage of development characterized by strengthened regional cooperation, growing mutual trust, and expanding engagement with international partners. In this context, he emphasized the significance of the Consultative Meetings of the Heads of State of Central Asia and the C5+ format.
The Ambassador also spoke about the political and institutional reforms being implemented in Kazakhstan, aimed at improving public administration, enhancing the effectiveness of state institutions, and expanding citizen participation in decision-making processes.
During the discussion, participants addressed issues of regional integration, economic modernization, and the development of transport corridors, including the Trans-Caspian International Transport Route (Middle Corridor), as well as prospects for expanding investment and trade cooperation. Kazakhstan’s constitutional reforms were highlighted as an important step in strengthening state institutions and developing democratic mechanisms.
Participants also discussed water and regional security, climate change, infrastructure development, and the situation in Afghanistan. It was emphasized that further deepening dialogue and practical cooperation is crucial for the sustainable development of the region.
The roundtable was organized by the Bulan Institute for Peace Innovations in cooperation with the Geneva School of Diplomacy, with the support of the Geneva Centre for Security Policy.
Geneva, June 11, 2026 – With the support of Kazakhstan’s diplomatic missions in Switzerland the «Kazakhstan Commodity Forum» was held in Geneva. The event brought together around 200 participants, including representatives of government institutions, Swiss and international financial organizations, as well as leading global companies operating in commodity trading, energy, agriculture, transport, and logistics, such as Gunvor, Mercuria, Fracht Group, MSC, SOCAR, COFCO, ADM, Louis Dreyfus Company, Cargill, ESM Foundation, and others.
Opening the forum, Ambassador of Kazakhstan to Switzerland Kairat Sarzhanov highlighted the importance of ongoing institutional reforms in Kazakhstan, including the adoption of the new Constitution. He emphasized their role in strengthening the rule of law, enhancing transparency in public governance, and reinforcing investor rights protection. He also underlined the steady growth of bilateral economic engagement as a key indicator of foreign partners’ confidence and the attractiveness of Kazakhstan’s business environment. In 2025, trade between Kazakhstan and Switzerland reached 1.5 billion USD, while cumulative Swiss direct investment in Kazakhstan exceeded 36 billion USD, making Switzerland the third-largest foreign investor in the country. The Ambassador noted significant potential for further cooperation, stressing that amid the transformation of global supply chains, Kazakhstan offers substantial strategic resources, reliable infrastructure, and broad opportunities for long-term partnerships.
In turn, the Director General of the Geneva Chamber of Commerce and Industry Vincent Subilia highlighted sustained Swiss business interest in Kazakhstan, evidenced by the presence of around 400 companies with Swiss capital operating in the country across key sectors, including mining, energy, transport, infrastructure, pharmaceuticals, manufacturing, and financial services.
During the forum, representatives of Kazakhstan’s national companies, including Baiterek National Managing Holding, KazMunayGas, Food Corporation of Kazakhstan, as well as the National Association of Oilseed Processors, presented effective approaches to developing high value-added production, expanding export opportunities, and implementing joint investment projects.
Participants in the panel discussions noted Kazakhstan’s growing role as a reliable partner in energy, logistics, and strategic resource supply. Particular interest was given to the modernization of the agro-industrial sector, expansion of export potential, development of processing industries, and integration into international production and logistics chains.
The forum served as an effective platform for substantive and constructive exchange on expanding trade and investment cooperation in energy, metallurgy, agriculture, and transport and infrastructure development. The strong representation of leading companies and positive feedback from participants confirmed the high level of Swiss business interest in Kazakhstan.
The initiative to organize the Kazakhstan Commodity Forum was led by the Commodity Trading Club, with financial support provided by Harvest Agro.
April 22, Romanshorn, Heerbrugg – Ambassador of the Republic of Kazakhstan Kairat Sarzhanov visited the enterprises of Brugg Group and Leica Geosystems, part of Hexagon AB, leading Swiss companies in engineering solutions and geospatial technologies, to develop and strengthen bilateral economic cooperation.
During the visit, he met with Geobrugg CEO Andrea Roth. The parties discussed prospects for expanding the company’s activities in Kazakhstan and opportunities for localizing production in the field of engineering protection solutions. The company considers Kazakhstan a promising platform for developing this area due to its natural and geological conditions and the growing demand for modern engineering solutions.
At Leica Geosystems, the Ambassador was briefed on the projects implemented in Kazakhstan, including cooperation with government bodies in cartography and digitalization. He met with Tanja Birner, President of the Scanning & Mapping division of Hexagon AB, where they discussed expanding interaction with the Kazakh side. The Ambassador also expressed appreciation to Leica Geosystems for its contribution to the organization of the Swiss pavilion at the Regional Ecological Summit in Astana RES 2026.
ANNOUNCEMENT
Subject: Sale of Motor Vehicles
The Embassy of the Republic of Kazakhstan in the Swiss Confederation hereby invites sealed bids from interested parties for the purchase of the following motor vehicle. The auction is scheduled to take place on 19 May 2026:
Mercedes Benz
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Model / Manufacture Year:
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Mercedes Benz S 350 4matic, 2011 |
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Engine Capacity: |
3498 CC
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Fuel type: |
Petrol
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Colour: |
Black
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Seating capacity: |
5
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Mileage: |
247,846 km
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Starting Price: |
3,500 CHF
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Bidding venue: |
Embassy of Kazakhstan Tavelweg 2, 3074 Muri bei Bern |
Interested buyers are welcome to inspect the vehicle at the Embassy of Kazakhstan in Bern on weekdays by appointment only.
Requests for inspection appointments and all inquiries may be sent to the Embassy of Kazakhstan at bern@mfa.kz.
Bern, March 2 – On the occasion of Nauryz, the Embassy of the Republic of Kazakhstan in the Swiss Confederation, jointly with the Kazakh-Swiss Association «Birlik», organized a festive event that brought together representatives of the Kazakh diaspora and compatriots residing in various cantons of Switzerland.
In his welcoming remarks, Ambassador Kairat Sarzhanov highlighted the significance of Nauryz as a symbol of renewal, unity, and creation, reflecting the values of harmony, continuity, and sustainable development of society. Particular attention was given to the adoption of Kazakhstan’s new Constitution following the recent nationwide referendum, which marked an important step in further strengthening the state’s legal system, developing democratic institutions, and expanding the rights and freedoms of citizens.
The Ambassador also emphasized that abroad, the preservation of cultural identity, respect for national traditions, and the native language continue to serve as a unifying factor for compatriots. In this regard, the important role of the «Birlik» association in strengthening ties within the Kazakh diaspora, as well as in preserving national customs and traditions, was noted.
During the event, the International Association of Turkic-Speaking Teachers presented initiatives aimed at promoting the Kazakh language among compatriots abroad. In particular, a children’s book «Shakhmatshy Konzhyk» was introduced as part of the cultural and educational project «Tatti Ertegi».
The festive program included concert performances featuring national music, songs, and dances that reflect the richness of Kazakh culture. Guests also took part in interactive games and experienced the traditions of Kazakh hospitality at a dastarkhan with national dishes.
The event became an important platform for strengthening cultural ties and interethnic dialogue and received positive feedback from participants, reaffirming the importance of preserving cultural identity and unity.
«QazETA» digital platform for foreign nationals
QazETA is a state digital platform designed to provide foreign nationals with convenient, transparent, and secure access to key migration and related services under the “one-stop shop” principle (a unified digital window for foreigners).
The project aimed to create a modern, user-friendly platform for foreigners interacting with the government authorities of the Republic of Kazakhstan, as well as to improve the efficiency and quality of public service delivery.
The QazETA platform is focused on:
- simplifying procedures for entry into and stay of foreign nationals in the Republic of Kazakhstan;
- creating a single digital entry point that ensures consistent interaction of foreign nationals with government services, from entry into the country to everyday services;
- increasing transparency of processes, reducing application processing times, and improving service quality;
- the digitalization of core migration procedures and their integration into mobile service;
The platform is currently operating in pilot mode and the implementation of the platform will be carried out in phases. Currently, the following services are available:
- issuance of electronic visas (e-Visa);
- issuance of an Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA);
- obtaining the status of an electronic resident of the Republic of Kazakhstan (e-Residency);
- issuance of certificates confirming the crossing of the state border of the Republic of Kazakhstan by foreign nationals (including for the purpose of IMEI verification of mobile devices).
Key services of the platform:
An electronic visa is a digital form of a state service for issuing visas to foreign nationals and stateless persons.
Citizens of 104 countries may apply for a single-entry electronic visa under the following categories: "А3" (service), "А5" (investor), "В1","В2","В3", (business trip), "В9-1" (Digital Nomad Visa), "В10" (private travel), "В12" (tourist), "С12" (medical treatment).
An electronic visa is issued on the basis of an electronically issued invitation (the invitation is issued by the territorial police authorities of the Ministry of Internal Affairs of the Republic of Kazakhstan) and is valid only for the visa holder and does not apply to accompanying persons. In case of passport replacement, a new electronic visa must be obtained.
Foreign nationals and stateless persons are permitted to enter and exit the territory of the Republic of Kazakhstan using a valid electronic visa only through border crossing points of the international airports of the Republic of Kazakhstan.
The ETA is intended for citizens of countries that are exempt from visa requirements of the Republic of Kazakhstan. The authorization is issued in electronic form.
Foreign nationals planning to travel to Kazakhstan must submit an ETA application through the mobile application no later than 72 hours prior to travel.
The validity period of the ETA is 180 days.
The actual duration of stay of foreign nationals in Kazakhstan is regulated in accordance with the applicable migration legislation.
At the same time, the issuance of an ETA does not guarantee entry into the territory of the Republic of Kazakhstan. The final decision on admission is made by the authorized state body of the Republic of Kazakhstan during border control procedures.
The following categories are exempt from the requirement to obtain an ETA:
- holders of diplomatic and service (official) passports;
- members of official delegations;
- representatives of the diplomatic corps accredited in the Republic of Kazakhstan.
During the pilot period, obtaining an ETA is recommended but not mandatory for citizens of countries exempt from the Republic of Kazakhstan’s visa requirements. After the pilot period, the ETA will be gradually introduced as a mandatory requirement for these categories of citizens.
e-Residency is an innovative instrument that provides foreign nationals and stateless persons located outside the Republic of Kazakhstan with access to digital government and commercial services within the jurisdiction of the Astana International Financial Centre (AIFC).
The e-Residency program is implemented within jurisdiction of the AIFC and provides for:
- remote issuance of an Individual Identification Number (IIN);
- opening of bank accounts and payment cards;
- issuance of eSIMs;
- remote company registration and business operations
within jurisdiction of the AIFC.
Further expansion of the platform’s functionality is planned, including the issuance of health insurance, the possibility of expedited border control for ETA holders (Fast Track), payment of service fees, and other digital services.
The QazETA mobile application is available for download on Google Play and the App Store.
As part of the project, a technical support service is in operation. Inquiries and suggestions are accepted via email at support@qazeta.kz.
Bern, March 9 – The Ambassador of the Republic of Kazakhstan to the Swiss Confederation Kairat Sarzhanov met with the Director of the Swiss Federal Office of Energy Benoît Revaz.
The parties discussed the current state and future prospects of Kazakhstan-Switzerland cooperation in the energy sector, including the development of nuclear and renewable energy, improving energy efficiency, and coordination of positions on international platforms. The successful partnership between the company “Kazatomprom” and the Swiss energy concern “Axpo Power”, as well as the collaboration between the National Nuclear Center of Kazakhstan and the Swiss organization NAGRA in the field of radioactive waste management, was highlighted. These projects serve as clear examples of a high level of trust and stability in bilateral relations.
Ambassador of Kazakhstan informed the Swiss side about the implementation of Kazakhstan’s national nuclear energy development program and confirmed Astana’s interest in expanding cooperation in the peaceful use of nuclear energy.
The discussion also covered potential collaboration in renewable energy, including the modernization of hydroelectric infrastructure. Key priority areas identified include improving energy efficiency, introducing advanced waste processing technologies, and developing circular economy principles.
Following the meeting, the parties agreed to strengthen contacts between the sectoral organizations of the two countries to fully realize the potential for cooperation and exchange best practices in nuclear and “green” energy.
Zurich, 5 March – Ahead of the Regional Ecological Summit, which will take place in Astana on 22–24 April, a seminar was held in Zurich on opportunities for promoting Swiss environmental technologies in the Caspian region.
The event, attended by representatives of government agencies, businesses and the expert community, was organized by the Embassy of Kazakhstan in Switzerland and Swissenviro, preparing the Swiss pavilion at the forum.
Ambassador of Kazakhstan Kairat Sarzhanov presented the key areas of political and economic reform, noting that environmental modernization is part of the country's strategic course. On the initiative of President K.Tokayev, the Ministry of Water Resources and Irrigation was established, a new Water Code was adopted, and projects to upgrade water management infrastructure are being implemented. The importance of international cooperation was also emphasised, including the Swiss initiative «Blue Peace Central Asia» and Kazakhstan's proposal to establish an international water organization.
Representatives of the World Bank Group, the International Centre for Green Technology and Investment Projects, Switzerland Global Enterprise, Swiss Export Risk Insurance, Leica Geosystems and Swissenviro noted the region's high industrial and energy potential and its investment attractiveness. Participants confirmed their interest in implementing joint projects and actively participating in RES-2026, which will become an important international platform for promoting environmental innovation and developing partnerships.
Swiss companies have strong expertise in water treatment, waste management, energy efficiency, decarburization, renewable energy and sustainable urban development. Kazakhstan, in turn, offers investors transparent working conditions, an auction system in the field of renewable energy, tax incentives and investment protection mechanisms.