ASTANA – Kazakhstan and the United States (US) have strengthened their strategic partnership through high-level meetings in Washington, D.C., focused on expanding economic cooperation, investment, energy collaboration, and infrastructure development. Photo credit: Secretary Marco Rubio/ Twitter Rubio meets Kazakhstan officials to address bilateral cooperation U.S.
Secretary of State Marco Rubio met with Kazakhstan Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of National Economy Serik Zhumangarin and Special Representative for Negotiations with the US Yerzhan Kazykhan to expand opportunities for bilateral cooperation. The sides discussed Kazakhstan’s role in peacemaking and regional initiatives, as well as ways to expand economic ties.
Rubio welcomed Kazakhstan’s participation in the C5+1 platform and its role in regional cooperation. The US reaffirmed its support for Kazakhstan’s sovereignty, independence, and territorial integrity and expressed its commitment to further strengthening the strategic partnership, the U.S.
Department of State reported on April 15. Kazakhstan, World Bank discuss expanding investment partnership Kazakhstan outlined its proactive economic growth strategy focused on investment, diversification, and industrial development at a roundtable at the World Bank.
Zhumangarin said reforms aim to expand the investment base, develop new industries, and strengthen institutional frameworks in tax, budget, and corporate sectors. Presidential adviser Asset Irgaliyev noted that the public sector is coordinating efforts to develop a long-term, sustainable economic model.
Kazakhstan’s economy remains resilient, with GDP growth reaching 6.5% in 2025 and continuing into 2026 despite oil supply disruptions linked to Tengizchevroil and constraints on the Caspian Pipeline Consortium. Investment increased 13% to $43.6 billion in 2025, while foreign direct investment reached $20.5 billion.
International reserves rose to $129.5 billion, and public debt remains at 22.8% of GDP, reported the Prime Minister’s press service. The government is targeting $400 billion in total investment over five years, prioritizing manufacturing, petrochemicals, agriculture, and high-value industries.
A portfolio of 274 projects worth 700 billion tenge (US$1.5 billion) is underway, alongside development of Alatau as a new economic hub expected to generate up to $50 billion in regional output and create around 1 million jobs by 2050. World Bank officials supported the reforms while noting risks related to inflation and productivity.
Meeting with World Bank Vice President Antonella Bassani Zhumangarin also met with World Bank Vice President for Europe and Central Asia Antonella Bassani to discuss expanding cooperation on investment and reforms. The officials reaffirmed a strategic partnership that has delivered more than $8 billion in over 50 projects since 1993, spanning transport, education, environment, and digitalization.
The meeting also focused on the 2026-2030 partnership framework, including transport connectivity, energy, water management, digitalization, climate policy, and renewable energy. Ongoing projects include highway reconstruction and digitalization initiatives, with additional large-scale infrastructure programs under development.