President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev expressed his gratitude to the Federal Chancellor of Germany, Olaf Scholz, for the warm welcome and reiterated that Kazakhstan attaches utmost importance to the development of cooperation with Germany, a key partner in the European Union, El.kz cites Akorda.
The Head of State noted that an active and trusting political dialogue exists between Astana and Berlin at all levels, and close interaction is carried out within the framework of multilateral platforms.
Currently, Germany is one of the largest trading partners and a leading investor in Kazakhstan's economy. Kazakhstan accounts for about 83 per cent of Germany's total trade with the Central Asian region, with bilateral trade turnover increasing by 25 per cent to $2.8 billion by the end of 2022.
The Head of State emphasized the existing potential for further strengthening of trade and economic ties and affirmed Kazakhstan’s readiness to create all necessary conditions for a wider presence of German businesses in Kazakhstan’s market. Priority areas include oil and gas chemistry, rare-earth metallurgical industry, green energy, transport and logistics, and agriculture.
As a practical step, Kassym-Jomart Tokayev proposed to create a Consortium for implementing joint raw materials projects, supported by a bilateral Working Group on project financing and involving private German investors.
Special attention was paid to strengthening cooperation in the transit and transport sector.
Kassym-Jomart Tokayev urged the German side to utilize the potential of the Trans-Caspian route, and to participate in the infrastructural development of the Caspian ports of Aktau and Kuryk.
The German side was also invited to establish closer cooperation on the development of renewable energy sources, including green hydrogen.
In this context, the importance of the project for the production of green hydrogen in the Mangystau region, which is being implemented jointly with the German-Swedish company Svevind Energy, was noted.
In addition, the President highlighted to his German colleagues the possibility of simplifying the visa regime for the citizens of Kazakhstan.
In turn, Federal Chancellor Olaf Scholz affirmed Germany’s interest in expanding comprehensive cooperation with Kazakhstan. The Chancellor said that he fully supports and is impressed by the large-scale political and socio-economic reforms carried out in Kazakhstan. He emphasized that the most important condition for the sustainable development of the country and support for foreign investors is the rule of law.
The German side confirmed a strong willingness to deepen trade, economic, and investment relations with Kazakhstan. In particular, there was expressed interest in increasing oil supplies, diversifying supply chains, and implementing infrastructure projects. Emphasis was placed on the necessity to establish an intensive exchange in the use of green energy and the joint promotion of the climate agenda. Particular attention was paid to intensifying joint work to create favorable conditions for representatives of small and medium-sized businesses of the two countries.