Political and Economic Reforms in Kazakhstan Presented at the Rotary Club of Rome

Rome, September 17, 2024. A meeting of the members of the Rotary Club of Rome, the Italian branch of the global non-governmental charitable organisation Rotary International, which brings together over a million business professionals worldwide, was held today. The meeting was attended by business leaders, heads of Italian companies, philanthropists, and other dignitaries. The event focused on Kazakhstan and its modern development.

In his address to the attendees, Kazakhstan’s Ambassador to Italy, Yerbolat Sembayev, emphasized Kazakhstan’s pivotal role in Central Asia, highlighting its position as the region’s economic and political leader.

“Kazakhstan has long been a crossroads between East and West, North and South, a place where many cultures, civilizations, and religions intersect. We are truly proud of our ancient history and rich cultural heritage. It is through this continuous exchange of goods, cultural achievements, and ideas that Kazakhstan’s unique national identity and distinctive model of multilateral cooperation have been shaped,” Yerbolat Sembayev remarked.

The Ambassador also drew attention to Kazakhstan’s current development.

“Today, Kazakhstan is the largest economy in Central Asia, and a leading global producer of energy resources and agricultural products. Despite geopolitical challenges, Kazakhstan continues to attract significant foreign investment and offers exceptional conditions for doing business. Kazakhstan also plays a key role in facilitating cargo transportation via the ‘Middle Corridor’ or the Trans-Caspian International Transport Route, which links Asia to the European Union,” he noted.

Ambassador Sembayev further highlighted the wide-ranging reforms underway in the country as part of a comprehensive program initiated by President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev. He specifically referred to the recent address by the President to the people of Kazakhstan, titled “Just Kazakhstan: Law and Order, Economic Growth, Public Optimism,” which outlined the key objectives for the country’s socio-economic development.

“The large-scale transformation of the political and economic systems has enabled Kazakhstan to become the only country in the region to implement such radical changes in such a short period, especially in the political sphere. It can be said that a distinct Kazakh model of political reform has emerged. A significant event was President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev’s announcement of the upcoming nationwide referendum on October 6 regarding the construction of a nuclear power plant. The upcoming referendum will serve as another example of broad national dialogue and a vivid illustration of the ‘Listening State’ concept,” emphasized Ambassador Sembayev.

The Kazakh diplomat also highlighted key international initiatives of Kazakhstan, such as the Astana Peace Process, the Congress of Leaders of World and Traditional Religions, the Astana International Financial Centre, and comprehensive assistance to Afghanistan under the UN's auspices, among others.

Ambassador Sembayev also discussed the cooperation between Kazakhstan and Italy, emphasizing the strategic nature of their relations.

“Italy is Kazakhstan’s number one trade partner in Europe and its third-largest trade partner globally. Last year, trade turnover between our countries reached approximately $16 billion, the highest figure in the past nine years. Since gaining independence, Italian investments in Kazakhstan have exceeded $9 billion. Currently, around 300 Italian companies are operating successfully in the country, including major investors such as ENI, SDF Group, PetroValves, Maire Tecnimont, IVECO, Tenaris, and others,” the Kazakh diplomat noted.

He added that President Tokayev’s official visit to Rome in January this year gave a strong boost to bilateral relations, elevating them to a qualitatively new level.

At the meeting, the President of the Rotary Club of Rome, Notarius Vitaliano Domenico, also spoke, noting the dynamic development of relations between Kazakhstan and Italy.

A more detailed report on trade and economic relations between the two countries was presented by Altynai Mukanova, a representative of Kazakh Invest in Italy, who discussed current and prospective Kazakh-Italian investment projects.

“Rotary International” is a global non-governmental association with more than a century of history, bringing together Rotary Clubs worldwide. Rotary Clubs present themselves as non-religious and apolitical humanitarian charitable organisations, open to all countries regardless of nationality, race, religion, or political views. According to Rotary International, there are more than 46,000 clubs worldwide with over 1.4 million members.