Invest in Kazakhstan: Kazakh- Dutch cooperation

Invest in Kazakhstan: Kazakh- Dutch cooperation

By Derya Soysal

On October 9, the Embassy of the Republic of Kazakhstan in the Kingdom of the Netherlands hosted a high-level event titled “Invest in Kazakhstan: New Horizons for Dutch Businesses”, aimed at deepening economic cooperation and attracting Dutch investment into Kazakhstan’s dynamic and evolving market.

The event commenced with welcoming remarks from H.E. Kairat Abdrakhmanov, Ambassador of Kazakhstan to the Netherlands. He presented key highlights from President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev’s State of the Nation Address, emphasizing Kazakhstan’s strategic priorities in economic diversification, innovation, and international partnerships.

According to the Ambassador, Kazakhstan’s economy continues to demonstrate robust momentum. During the first eight months of 2025, GDP grew by 6.5%. The production of goods increased by 8.8%, while the services sector expanded by 5.1%.

The main drivers of this growth have been:

• Manufacturing industry – +6.5%
   
• Construction – +18.1%
   
• Transport and warehousing – +21.5%
   
• Trade – +8.9%
   
• Mining – +9.6%
   

Foreign trade has also shown strong dynamics. Between January and July 2025, Kazakhstan’s trade turnover reached USD 78.2 billion, with exports amounting to USD 43.6 billion and imports to USD 34.6 billion. The positive trade balance stands at USD 9 billion.

Following this, Gazizag Bahmany, Deputy Managing Director of the Netherlands Enterprise Agency (RVO), delivered a welcome message reaffirming the Netherlands’ interest in expanding bilateral trade and investment with Kazakhstan.

A formal presentation of patents was held to officially appoint Frederick Vossenaar and Derk Koo as Honorary Consuls of the Republic of Kazakhstan in the Netherlands, recognizing their commitment to strengthening diplomatic and economic ties between the two nations.

Agreements Signed During the Event

Several key agreements were signed during the event, including:

• A roadmap agreement between the Ministry of Health of Kazakhstan and Royal Philips for the establishment of portable ultrasound machine production in Kazakhstan.
   
• A speech by Jan-Willem Scheijground, Vice President of Royal Philips, outlining the project’s vision and potential impact.
   
• A Memorandum of Understanding between KazakhInvest JSC and Tulip Magazine, aimed at promoting Kazakhstan’s investment climate through media collaboration.
   
• A brief address by Vladislav Khasanov, owner of Tulip Magazine, highlighting the role of storytelling in economic diplomacy.
   

Investment and Sectoral Presentations

The event featured a series of insightful presentations:

• Ulbossyn Sarybaeva from KazakhInvest presented updates on Kazakhstan’s investment policy, including new incentives and priority sectors.
   
• Sairan Baizhakhanov, CRM Envoy, introduced the CRM market landscape in Kazakhstan, showcasing opportunities for digital transformation and customer engagement.
   
• Job van Thiel (Ministry of Foreign Affairs) and Kalina Vrieze (RVO) shared the outcomes of a recent business mission on rare earth metals to Kazakhstan, highlighting strategic areas for Dutch companies.
   
• Success stories from Dutch businesses operating in Kazakhstan were presented:
   
  • Arnold Reijers from Rijk Zwaan, a leader in agricultural innovation.
     
  • Richard van der Laan from REPA B.V. (to be confirmed), sharing insights into industrial collaboration.
     

Kazakhstan: A Country of Vast Investment Potential

Ulbossyn Sarybaeva from KazakhInvest noted that Kazakhstan is:

• The 9th largest country in the world
   
• The largest economy in Central Asia
   
• The region’s highest GDP per capita
   
• A nation offering strong investor protection, with Bilateral Investment Protection Treaties with 47 countries and one multilateral investment treaty
   

The Netherlands – Kazakhstan’s Key European Partner

The Netherlands remains the largest European investor in Kazakhstan and a key strategic partner in implementing major joint projects. According to KazakhInvest, Dutch investments exceed USD 67 billion. In 2023, the gross inflow of foreign direct investment (FDI) from the Netherlands reached USD 6 billion, and during the first half of 2024, it amounted to USD 2.1 billion. The total investment volume since 2005 has reached USD 120 billion (Bizhanova, D., 2025, April 9).

Deputy Minister Issetov emphasized that the Netherlands is a trusted partner in the implementation of major joint projects (Nurmaganbetova, Z., 2025, April 9).

In 2023, bilateral trade reached USD 4.4 billion (exports – USD 4 billion, imports – USD 400 million). Since 2005, FDI from the Netherlands to Kazakhstan has totaled approximately USD 117.7 billion, and trade turnover between the two nations exceeded USD 2.5 billion in the first half of 2024.

In May 2024, Kazakhstan and the Netherlands signed nine commercial agreements aimed at strengthening bilateral cooperation in the agro-industrial complex, healthcare, ecology, transport, and logistics (Kazinform News Agency).

Main exports from Kazakhstan to the Netherlands: crude oil, petroleum products from bituminous rocks, ferroalloys, titanium, and unwrought lead.

Main imports from the Netherlands to Kazakhstan: tractors and tractor units, prefabricated building structures, pharmaceuticals for retail sale, cut flowers and buds, electric generators, live plants, cuttings and layering, and air conditioning units (Kazinform).

On October 9, 2024, Kazakhstan’s investment potential was showcased as part of a meeting of the Netherlands-Kazakhstan Business Council, organized by the Benelux Chamber of Commerce.

Cooperation in Agriculture

Agriculture is the second-largest sector of Kazakh-Dutch cooperation after energy. The Kazakhstan–Netherlands Working Group for Agriculture held its 3rd session in Astana in April 2025 (Kazinform), attended by Vice Minister of Agriculture Azat Sultanov and Jan-Kees Goet, Secretary-General of the Dutch Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries, Food Security, and Nature.

Kazakhstan and the Netherlands share a strong foundation for agricultural cooperation built on complementary strengths and mutual interests. With vast agricultural land, rich natural resources, and a rapidly developing agribusiness sector, Kazakhstan offers significant opportunities for collaboration. The country is modernizing its agricultural industry with a focus on innovation, sustainability, and increased productivity.

More than 40 Dutch companies participated in the Grow Expo and Flora Exhibition in Astana from April 8–10, showcasing advanced horticultural solutions. H.E. Jan-Kees Goet attended the opening ceremony of the GROW EXPO exhibition.

The Netherlands brings extensive expertise in high-tech agriculture, horticulture, and sustainable food production, forming a strong basis for knowledge exchange and joint projects. Kazakhstan’s strategic location between Europe and Asia further strengthens its role in regional food security and international trade.

According to Jan-Kees Goet, cooperation between the Netherlands and Kazakhstan can significantly enhance agricultural efficiency, foster innovation, and strengthen Kazakhstan’s position in global markets.

As noted by Shayakhmetova, Z. (2025, April 9), the Netherlands and Kazakhstan maintain a longstanding agricultural partnership built on collaboration and knowledge exchange in poultry farming, greenhouse technology, and dairy production. These joint efforts enhance agricultural productivity, support food security, and contribute to the long-term sustainability and competitiveness of Kazakhstan’s agri-food sector.

In 2023, the two countries signed a Memorandum of Understanding and established a joint agricultural committee — the Kazakhstan–Netherlands Agricultural Working Group — serving as a platform for deeper cooperation, continuous dialogue, and technology exchange.

Kazakhstan and Critical Raw Materials (CRM)

A dedicated segment of the event highlighted Kazakhstan’s potential in Critical Raw Materials (CRMs).

Kazakhstan possesses significant reserves of CRMs, including uranium, rare earth elements (REEs), copper, lithium, tungsten, and chromium. For example, in 2023, Kazakhstan ranked 7th globally for zinc reserves, with 6.7 million tonnes. The country extracts 19 of the 34 globally recognized rare earth elements, with over 100 deposits identified nationwide.

Kazakhstan is the world’s largest uranium producer and a major chromium supplier, with strong potential for other CRMs crucial to modern technologies and the green energy transition. The nation is actively developing its CRM sector, attracting foreign investment, and strengthening cooperation with partners such as the European Union to establish itself as a reliable supplier.

Kazakhstan can ensure the uninterrupted supply of critical minerals to help meet the growing global demand associated with the energy transition and the development of the electric vehicle market in the EU and the Netherlands (AIFC).

According to Sairan Baizhakhanov, several agreements have been reached on technical cooperation between the parties. On June 4, Kazakhstan officially joined the Co-Funded Raw Materials Partnership, an EU initiative launched earlier this year.

Negotiations are also underway between the EIT RawMaterials Academy and the state-owned enterprise Zhezkazganredmet regarding professional training and development.

Baizhakhanov emphasized that the Dutch economy is highly technological, and critical metals are essential for its transition to a green and digital economy. Kazakhstan, in turn, provides these metals and is ready to expand cooperation to ensure uninterrupted supplies to the European market.

“One of the main advantages of our economy is our extensive experience in metallurgy and the availability of skilled personnel,” he noted.

The “Invest in Kazakhstan: New Horizons for Dutch Businesses” event underscored the growing depth and potential of the partnership between Kazakhstan and the Netherlands. Both nations reaffirmed their shared commitment to advancing sustainable economic cooperation across key sectors — from agriculture and healthcare to innovation, energy, and critical raw materials.

Kazakhstan’s strong economic performance, favorable investment climate, and strategic geographic position make it an increasingly attractive destination for Dutch investors seeking long-term growth and diversification. Meanwhile, the Netherlands’ technological expertise, high standards in innovation, and global business networks offer valuable support for Kazakhstan’s ongoing modernization and integration into global value chains.

The event not only celebrated the achievements of bilateral collaboration but also opened new avenues for joint ventures, knowledge exchange, and green growth. With continued dialogue, mutual trust, and shared vision, Kazakhstan and the Netherlands are well-positioned to build a resilient, forward-looking partnership that benefits both economies and contributes to sustainable global development.

BIBLIOGRAPHY

Agroberichten Buitenland. (2025, April 18). Kazakhstan and the Netherlands continue to strengthen cooperation in agricultural sphere. https://www.agroberichtenbuitenland.nl/actueel/nieuws/2025/04/18/kazakhstan-and-the-netherlands-continue-to-strengthen-cooperation-in-agricultural-sphere[www.agrobe...tenland.nl]

Bizhanova, D. (2025, April 9). Investment prospects in Kazakhstan discussed at Netherlands-Kazakhstan Business Council. Qazinform. https://qazinform.com/news/investment-prospects-in-kazakhstan-discussed-at-netherlands-kazakhstan-business-council-5c9927

Embassy of the Kingdom of the Netherlands in Kazakhstan. (n.d.). Economic cooperation and trade. Netherlandsandyou.nl. https://www.netherlandsandyou.nl/web/kazakhstan/economic-cooperation-and-trade[www.nether...sandyou.nl]

Eurasiafocus, Invest in Kazakhstan: New Horizons for Dutch Businesses” Event - EurasiaFocus

Eureflect, Invest in Kazakhstan: New Horizons for Dutch Businesses” Event - https://eureflect.com

Haidar, A. (2024, July 22). Netherlands and Kazakhstan forge strong ties in water and agriculture, says Ambassador Schermers. The Astana Times. https://astanatimes.com/2024/07/netherlands-and-kazakhstan-forge-strong-ties-in-water-and-agriculture-says-ambassador-schermers/[astanatimes.com]

Nurmaganbetova, Z. (2025, April 9). Kazakhstan and the Netherlands keen to strengthen economic and investment cooperation. Qazinform. https://qazinform.com/news/kazakhstan-and-the-netherlands-keen-to-strengthen-economic-and-investment-cooperation-c18853

Nurmaganbetova, Z. (2025, April 9). Kazakhstan enhances civil society role to boost regional security. Qazinform. https://qazinform.com/news/kazakhstan-enhances-civil-society-role-to-boost-regional-security-139fd5

Shayakhmetova, Z. (2025, April 9). Netherlands, Kazakhstan share strong foundation for agricultural cooperation. The Astana Times. https://astanatimes.com/2025/04/netherlands-kazakhstan-share-strong-foundation-for-agricultural-cooperation/[astanatimes.com]

Temirgaliyeva, A. (2025, April 9). Kazakhstan, Netherlands discuss key areas of cooperation in agriculture. Qazinform. https://qazinform.com/news/kazakhstan-netherlands-discuss-key-areas-of-cooperation-in-agriculture-bf2791

The Times of Central Asia. (2024, May 11). Kazakhstan and Netherlands cooperate in agriculture and healthcare. https://timesca.com/kazakhstan-and-netherlands-cooperate-in-agriculture-and-healthcare/[timesca.com]

AIFC Authority. (2024, July 9). The reserves of critical raw materials allow Kazakhstan to become a leading supplier in the energy transition. AIFC. https://aifc.kz/news/the-reserves-of-critical-raw-materials-allow-kazakhstan-to-become-a-leading-supplier-in-the-energy-transition/[aifc.kz]