President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev expressed gratitude to President Rumen Radev and representatives of Bulgarian businesses for their active participation in the Kazakhstan-Bulgaria Business Forum. He is convinced that the event will provide a new impetus to the economic and investment cooperation between the two countries.
– President Radev’s official visit to Kazakhstan marks the beginning of a new chapter in our strategic partnership, serving as the driving force of our shared progress. Over a span of thirty years, Kazakhstan and Bulgaria have developed strong political and diplomatic relations. Kazakhstan regards Bulgaria as a friendly nation and very important partner of strategic importance. However, there is a considerable untapped potential to broaden our trade and investment cooperation. We believe that the Kazakh-Bulgarian Intergovernmental Commission on Economic Cooperation could serve as an important platform for enhancing ties between both countries, – noted the President of Kazakhstan.
The Kazakh President further emphasized that Kazakhstan is ready to unlock new opportunities for economic interaction and outlined priority sectors for expanding cooperation.
– First – transport connectivity. Kazakhstan and Bulgaria both hold unique geographic positions. Kazakhstan, located at the heart of Eurasia, serves as a vital link in facilitating continental connectivity – handling 85% of all overland cargo traffic between Europe and China. Thanks to expanding infrastructure of the Middle Corridor – including modern railways, dry ports and logistic hubs – we are connecting East and West more efficiently than ever before. Last year, freight transportation along this route surged by 62%, reaching 4.5 million. The capacity is expected to increase to 10 million by 2028. We are committed to expanding cargo transportation along this route and welcome BMF Port Burgas for joining the Middle Corridor, connecting_it_with a key logistics hub on the Black Sea, – said Kassym-Jomart Tokayev.
The second promising area, according to the President, is sustainable energy. He noted that Kazakhstan has made certain progress in developing its renewable energy sector.
– Our country has become an attractive destination for major international investors in green energy. Currently, Kazakhstan has over 150 renewable energy facilities with a total installed capacity exceeding 3 GW. We believe that joint efforts under the Black Sea Energy initiative can accelerate our shared decarbonization goals. Meanwhile, Kazakhstan is taking efforts to increase gas production by making geological surveys and participating in international projects. Being a global leader in producing uranium, our country has started the process of construction of nuclear stations that are supposed to increase our energy capacity, which in its turn will positively impact our economic cooperation, – emphasized the President of Kazakhstan.
The speech also highlighted the potential of Kazakhstan’s agribusiness.
– Our agricultural products are already exported to more than 70 countries. Kazakhstan ships over than eight million tons of wheat and two million tons of flour annually, placing us among the world’s top-ten grain exporters. We are interested in developing cooperation with the Bulgarian partners in the production of meat, honey, vegetable oils and dairy products. We welcome the interest of Lekkerbek company to invest in meat processing in Shymkent city – a project that will bring in modern technologies and boost regional export potential, – stated the President.
In the President’s view, significant opportunities for cooperation with Bulgarian partners also exist in the pharmaceutical sector. Special attention in the speech was given to digital transformation. The President noted that the state and private sector in Kazakhstan are widely adopting advanced digital solutions.
– To enhance our competitiveness on a grand scale, we are pioneering the development of artificial intelligence technologies. Our efforts in creating advanced IT infrastructure involving construction of supercomputers and data centers will form the backbone of Kazakhstan’s future progress. In parallel, we are launching the International AI Center aimed at fostering the development of an AI-driven economy. Mr. President, yesterday you informed me about impressive achievements of your country in embracing Artificial Intelligence and producing your own supercomputer. These achievements lay the ground for our mutual exchanges in this extremely important area. Here in Kazakhstan, a pioneering CryptoCity pilot zone is being developed, where cryptocurrencies will be integrated into everyday transactions and broader economic activities, – noted Kassym-Jomart Tokayev.
He also invited Bulgarian companies to explore opportunities offered by the Astana International Financial Centre and to join its dynamic ecosystem.
In conclusion, the President reaffirmed Kazakhstan’s commitment to deepening its partnership with Bulgaria across a wide range of areas.
