Kazakhstan to increase trade exchange with UAE to US$1bn

Laiba Amir
4 min readOct 21, 2023

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Kazakhstan, an emerging Central Asian nation, is making significant strides in expanding its trade ties with the United Arab Emirates (UAE). The Kazakh Minister of Trade, accompanied by a high-level trade delegation, recently visited the UAE with the aim of strengthening economic relations between the two countries. This visit has set an ambitious target of increasing trade exchange to US$1 billion.

The UAE has been a long-standing partner for Kazakhstan in the Middle East, and their collaboration has facilitated growth and development in various sectors. This renewed focus on boosting trade ties emphasizes the mutual benefits that both countries can derive from their partnership. Kazakhstan, known for its vast natural resources and strategic geopolitical location, offers immense investment opportunities that align with the UAE’s diverse interests.

One of the key areas of focus for both nations is the diversification of their economies. Kazakhstan has been actively pursuing economic diversification through initiatives such as the Nurly Zhol program, aimed at modernizing infrastructure and boosting non-oil sectors. The UAE, on the other hand, has successfully diversified its economy by investing in sectors like tourism, technology, logistics, and finance. By leveraging their respective strengths and sharing expertise, both nations can accelerate the process of economic diversification.

Kazakhstan’s Minister of Trade highlighted the immense potential for expanding trade in sectors such as agriculture, energy, logistics, and finance. The UAE has expressed a keen interest in investing in Kazakhstan’s agricultural sector, given its favorable climate and abundant land resources. Furthermore, Kazakhstan’s energy sector, which boasts rich oil and gas reserves, can benefit from the UAE’s expertise in the field. Collaborative ventures in logistics and finance will also help in facilitating smoother trade flows and increased financial investments.

Apart from trade in goods and services, there is also great potential for cultural and tourism exchanges between Kazakhstan and the UAE. Kazakhstan, with its stunning natural landscapes and rich history, has increasingly become a popular tourist destination. The UAE, with its world-class infrastructure and vibrant cultural scene, can attract Kazakh tourists, facilitating the growth of the tourism sector in both countries.

To achieveKazakhstan, the largest landlocked country in Central Asia, has been making significant efforts to boost trade and economic relations with various countries around the world. One particular country that Kazakhstan is eyeing for increased trade exchange is the United Arab Emirates (UAE). The Kazakh Minister of Trade, in a recent statement, has emphasized the intention to ramp up trade between the two nations to a staggering US$1 billion.

The move comes as no surprise, given the growing economic ties between Kazakhstan and the UAE over the past few years. The UAE has become one of Kazakhstan’s key trading partners in the Middle East, with bilateral trade reaching approximately US$270 million in 2020. The two countries have recognized the potential for further collaboration, particularly in sectors such as agriculture, petrochemicals, renewable energy, and infrastructure development.

Kazakhstan, blessed with vast natural resources and a strategic geographical location, presents an attractive market for UAE investors and businesses. Its thriving oil and gas industry, rich mineral deposits, and agricultural potential can greatly benefit the UAE, which is looking to diversify its economy beyond oil. Similarly, Kazakhstan can leverage the UAE’s expertise in infrastructure development and renewable energy to bolster its own economic growth and sustainability efforts.

To achieve the ambitious target of US$1 billion in trade exchange, both countries are actively exploring avenues to expand their commercial ties. Initiatives are being taken to attract investments, facilitate bilateral trade, and foster closer partnerships between Kazakh and Emirati businesses. Increasingly, Kazakh startups and small businesses are looking to collaborate with UAE-based companies to tap into their vast networks, knowledge, and financial resources.

Furthermore, the Kazakh government is emphasizing the importance of enhancing transportation links between the two countries. Improving air connectivity and establishing direct flights will facilitate the movement of people, goods, and services, thus boosting trade and investment flows. Kazakhstan has already shown its commitment to this by granting Emirates Airlines permission to operate additional flights. Such initiatives will not only bolster economic ties but also contribute to cultural exchange and tourism cooperation between the two nations.

Kazakhstan’s prioritization of expanding trade with the UAE aligns with its broader goal of diversifying its international partnerships. While the country shares strong ties with its neighboring countries in Central Asia, it recognizes the need to forge alliances beyond the region. By tapping into the UAE’s position as a global trade hub and gateway to international markets, Kazakhstan aims to attract investment, boost exports, and accelerate its economic growth.

Kazakhstan’s efforts to increase trade exchange with the UAE to US$1 billion is a testament to its commitment to fostering economic cooperation and global integration. As the world becomes more interconnected, countries are realizing the importance of collaborating and leveraging each other’s strengths. The potential benefits of an expanded trade relationship between Kazakhstan and the UAE are immense, and both nations are poised to reap the rewards of this strategic partnership.

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Laiba Amir
Laiba Amir

Written by Laiba Amir

UAE news and diplomacy through the eyes of an expat living in Dubai for 15 years.

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