Based on recent developments, including Kazakhstan’s efforts to establish a partnership with the Port of Antwerp-Bruges to boost trade along the Middle Corridor, the inauguration of the Trans-Caspian Fiber-Optic Cable Line by Presidents Kassym-Jomart Tokayev and Ilham Aliyev, and the simultaneous opening of three Chess Houses in Shymkent, Qazinform News Agency presents its weekly review of Kazakhstan coverage in foreign media.
Euronews: Kazakhstan seeks Antwerp-Bruges partnership to boost trade via Middle Corridor Kazakhstan is seeking closer cooperation with Belgium to develop the Middle Corridor, including a potential partnership between the Port of Antwerp-Bruges and the Caspian ports of Aktau and Kuryk, Euronews reports.
Speaking at the Belgium-Kazakhstan Business Council, President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev said the partnership “could open wider markets for our metals, petrochemicals and agricultural products.” King Philippe also expressed support for stronger transport links between Central Asia and Europe.
The business forum resulted in 17 agreements covering logistics, agriculture, artificial intelligence, energy, healthcare and manufacturing. Tokayev also highlighted cooperation in critical minerals, noting Kazakhstan produces 21 of the 34 raw materials considered critical for European industry.
The Times of Central Asia: Kazakhstan proposes local rare earth processing partnership with Belgium Kazakhstan has invited Belgian companies to cooperate in processing critical minerals, seeking European technologies to develop higher-value industrial production, The Times of Central Asia reports.
At an October 12 seminar in Astana, Vice Minister Olzhas Saparbekov said Kazakhstan could supply 21 of the 34 critical raw materials identified by the EU. “We are ready to discuss phased models under which processing is gradually transferred to Kazakhstan along with the necessary technologies and expertise,” he said.
Potential cooperation includes rare earth processing, recycling and battery materials. Kazakhstan also plans to establish a regional rare earth research center, scheduled to begin operations in 2028.