Rome, October 8, 2026. A trade and economic mission led by Kazakhstan’s Minister of Trade and Integration, Arman Shakkaliyev, took place in the Italian capital, bringing together a Kazakhstani delegation and representatives of more than 70 Italian companies.
The event was organized by the Ministry of Trade and Integration of the Republic of Kazakhstan in cooperation with QazTrade Trade Policy Development Center JSC. Kazakhstan’s Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary to Italy, Yerbolat Sembayev, also took part in the mission.
The Kazakhstani delegation included representatives of companies operating in the agro-industrial complex, food and light industries, oil and gas, petrochemicals, mechanical engineering, construction, innovative technologies, and services.
The main part of the mission was dedicated to B2B negotiations between Kazakhstani and Italian businesses. The parties discussed opportunities to expand bilateral trade, establish direct product supplies, develop industrial cooperation, and implement joint projects.
“Kazakhstan is steadily strengthening its position in international trade and creating new opportunities for domestic businesses. Our priority is not simply to expand the geographical reach of our exports, but also to build sustainable trade relations, develop industrial cooperation, and improve the competitiveness of Kazakhstani products in global markets,” said Arman Shakkaliyev, Minister of Trade and Integration of the Republic of Kazakhstan.
Particular attention was given to increasing exports of Kazakhstani agricultural products, including grain and processed grain products. The Italian market offers domestic producers opportunities to diversify their exports and access new distribution channels across Europe.
Another key part of the business programme was an off-site meeting with representatives of Coop Italia, one of Italy’s largest cooperative retail chains. The parties discussed opportunities to introduce Kazakhstani food products to Italian retail networks and establish direct commercial ties between businesses in the two countries.
A key outcome of the mission was the signing of agreements worth a total of $436 million. The arrangements are aimed at expanding bilateral trade, strengthening industrial partnerships, and creating new opportunities for Kazakhstani exporters.
As part of the business programme, Arman Shakkaliyev also attended a roundtable titled “Italy–Kazakhstan: Strategic Dialogue and Prospects for Cooperation.” The discussion focused on developing resilient supply chains linking Kazakhstan, Italy, and Central Asian countries.
Representatives of government agencies, business associations, and leading companies from both countries discussed prospects for industrial cooperation, transport and logistics connectivity, investment attraction, and joint manufacturing projects.
The Minister also highlighted the potential of the “Made with Italy in Kazakhstan” concept, which aims to combine Italian technologies and industrial expertise with Kazakhstan’s production capabilities and resource base to manufacture higher value-added products.
Particular attention was also given to the development of the Trans-Caspian International Transport Route as a key link in resilient supply chains between Asia and Europe. Participants also discussed opportunities to introduce digital technologies to improve logistics efficiency.
The roundtable participants further discussed priority areas for future cooperation as part of preparations for the Kazakhstan–Italy Forum scheduled for 2027.
The meetings held in Rome marked an important step towards strengthening trade and economic ties between Kazakhstan and Italy, expanding direct business contacts, and creating new opportunities for bilateral trade, investment, and industrial cooperation.
QazTrade JSC will continue to support the implementation of the agreements reached, helping Kazakhstani companies expand their exports and establish long-term partnerships with Italian businesses.