ASTANA – Kazakhstan’s trade turnover with countries participating in the Central Asia Regional Economic Cooperation (CAREC) program reached $8.8 billion in 2025, up 14.4% from the previous year, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of National Economy Serik Zhumangarin said at the opening of the second Tien Shan Forum on Economic Cooperation in Central Asia in Almaty on Nov.
2. Almaty hosts second Tien Shan Forum on Central Asian economic cooperation. Photo credit: PM’s press service. According to him, foreign direct investment in Kazakhstan’s economy has exceeded $30 billion since 2005. He identified expanding regional trade, strengthening transport and logistics links, and attracting high-quality investment as key priorities under the CAREC program.
Serik Zhumangarin. Photo credit: PM’s press service. “Our common task is not only to increase trade volumes, but also to consistently remove barriers, simplify trade procedures, develop e-commerce and expand entrepreneurs’ access to the markets of neighbouring countries,” Zhumangarin said.
He also mentioned that Kazakhstan is expanding the capacity of transport corridors, modernising its railway and road infrastructure, and developing multimodal transport. Improving cross-border freight movement will also require greater compatibility between transport systems, digitalised border procedures and shorter cargo processing times.
Kazakhstan’s investments in CAREC countries have exceeded $4 billion. More than 28,000 companies from countries in the region are registered in Kazakhstan, alongside more than 2,500 joint ventures, according to the figures presented at the forum. Zhumangarin said investment should support the establishment of new production facilities, the introduction of modern technologies, higher labour productivity and the production of goods with greater added value.
Kazakhstan is also interested in expanding cooperation with international financial institutions in transport and logistics, industry, agriculture, energy and digital infrastructure. Other priorities on the regional agenda that Zhumangarin mentioned include the digitalization of trade and logistics, climate change and the sustainable use of water resources.
The second Tien Shan Forum is taking place in Almaty on Nov. 2-3 under the topic Strengthening Sustainable Connectivity and Quality Investments in Central Asia. The forum is organized by the CAREC Institute and Kazakhstan’s Ministry of National Economy, with the Asian Development Bank serving as a strategic partner.
Around 400 participants are attending the event, including government representatives from CAREC countries, international financial institutions, development organisations, businesses and experts.