ASTANA — French companies operating in Kazakhstan plan to invest 1.5 billion euros (US$1.68 billion) and create more than 1,000 jobs over the next three years, according to a study presented by the French Embassy in Astana on Oct. 22, highlighting the country’s growing role as a regional production and business hub.
French Ambassador Sylvain Guiaugue presents the study in Astana on Oct. 22. Photo credit: French Embassy press attaché The planned investments reflect France’s efforts to expand economic cooperation beyond oil and uranium into renewable energy, infrastructure, agriculture and technology, while strengthening local production and supply chains.
“ French companies come to Kazakhstan with a long-term perspective. They invest in building new factories, create jobs and train young specialists. In other words, they contribute to the diversification of Kazakhstan’s industrial base,” French Ambassador to Kazakhstan Sylvain Guiaugue said during the presentation.
French investment expands across Kazakhstan Conducted between March and June 2026, the study examines the economic contribution of French businesses in Kazakhstan, drawing on responses from 26 French and French-Kazakh companies. French Ambassador to Kazakhstan Sylvain Guiaugue.
Photo credit: Nagima Abuova / The Astana Times Bilateral trade exceeded five billion euros (US$5.6 billion) in 2025, while accumulated French direct investment surpassed 12 billion euros (US$13.45 billion). The surveyed companies reported combined annual turnover exceeding two billion euros (US$2.24 billion), primarily in manufacturing.
Over the past decade, the participating companies invested approximately 2.5 billion euros (US$2.8 billion) in Kazakhstan. More than 80% of respondents are large enterprises, while 42% operate production facilities in the country. French business activities now extend across all 17 regions of Kazakhstan, with an increasing focus on regional markets.
More than 42% of respondents export products from Kazakhstan, while 38% consider the country their main operational center in Central Asia. Another 25% coordinate activities in the Caucasus from Kazakhstan. Ludovic Lea, head of the French Embassy’s Economic Department.
Photo credit: Nagima Abuova / The Astana Times “What stands out most to me is the geographical reach of French companies. They operate throughout Kazakhstan and use their production facilities in the country to enter new markets. In doing so, they contribute to the diversification of Kazakhstan’s exports,” said Ludovic Lea, head of the French Embassy’s Economic Department.