31 October 2025, 17:40
Prime Minister of the Republic of Kazakhstan Olzhas Bektenov took part in the VIII Kazakhstan Global Investment Roundtable (KGIR-2025). The forum brought together more than 1,000 participants from over 50 countries, including executives of international and domestic companies in the fields of industry, energy, agriculture, finance, pharmaceuticals, consulting, and other sectors.
In his speech, Olzhas Bektenov noted that President of Kazakhstan Kassym-Jomart Tokayev, in his Address to the Nation, announced the need to launch a new investment cycle. The large-scale task is to introduce a proactive investment policy with a transition to a model in which the state not only supports business but also actively participates in the creation and launch of new projects.
The Government of Kazakhstan is carrying out systematic work on transforming the national economy. In the first nine months of this year, the country’s GDP grew by 6.3%. Investments in fixed capital increased by 13.5%, reaching approximately 13.8 trillion tenge. Overall, Kazakhstan’s investment rating has been reaffirmed by leading global rating agencies. In particular, Moody’s upgraded the country’s long-term rating with a «Stable» outlook, marking the highest level in the history of independent Kazakhstan.
A promising direction for investment is the Trans-Caspian International Transport Route, which holds strategic importance for Kazakhstan and the entire region. A number of major infrastructure projects are being implemented along the TITR, including with the participation of foreign capital and international financial institutions.
Particular attention was given to the implementation of the Head of State’s instructions on large-scale digitalization and the introduction of artificial intelligence technologies. The strengthening of the digital cluster is facilitated by the opening of the international AI center Alem.ai, aimed at introducing advanced solutions and further accelerating startups.
Kazakhstan consistently strengthens the legal and institutional foundations ensuring the protection of entrepreneurs’ interests and equal business conditions. For projects exceeding $60 million, the Investment Agreement instrument provides legislative stability for 25 years.
Unique conditions for doing business are offered at the Astana International Financial Centre (AIFC). The presence of English law jurisdiction within the AIFC guarantees transparency of legal procedures. The Centre also serves as a reliable partner in the development of green, Islamic, and innovative financial instruments.
«Kazakhstan remains an open and predictable country for long-term investments. Building a relationship of trust with investors is an integral part of our investment policy. I invite everyone to make full use of the opportunities available for developing business in Kazakhstan. We are ready to provide comprehensive support at every stage of project implementation», — Olzhas Bektenov emphasized, citing concrete examples of how agreements reached with investors are rapidly turning into real projects and operating enterprises in Kazakhstan.
Under the agreement reached during KGIR-2024, Fufeng Group is currently implementing a project to create an agricultural park for deep corn processing. The facility will soon be commissioned.
The agreement with PepsiCo this year has led to concrete results — the construction of a salty snacks production plant in the Almaty region, which will be launched early next year.
Another clear example of the high dynamics of cooperation is the construction of a deep wheat processing plant by Dalian Hesheng Holding Group. The President of Kazakhstan was recently presented with an initiative by the Spanish company Roca Group to establish a modern sanitary ware production facility. The new plant will produce high-quality, export-oriented products.
Lihua Group, with whom negotiations were also held earlier this year, has launched a project to establish a cotton-textile cluster in the TURAN Special Economic Zone in the Turkistan region.
One of the large-scale projects completed in just two years is the recently opened KIA Qazaqstan automobile plant. The Prime Minister stressed that coordinated efforts between the state and business will provide an additional boost to Kazakhstan’s investment and technological development.
Participants of KGIR-2025 noted that Kazakhstan’s favorable investment policy, transparent legal system, strong financial framework, and predictable economic environment make the country a reliable partner for business.
David Manzini, President of PepsiCo for Russia, Belarus, Ukraine, the Caucasus, and Central Asia, noted that Kazakhstan offers the international business community a strong investment climate and comprehensive state support in all areas.
Matteo Patrone, Vice President of the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development, highlighted Kazakhstan’s achievements in key areas such as digitalization, regional cooperation, and the green transition.
«Kazakhstan is the regional leader in digital transformation and environmentally friendly production. We have decided to invest $40 million in constructing the largest food supplement production facility in Central Asia that meets GMP standards. Our plant is being built in the TURAN Special Economic Zone, located in the city of Turkistan. The production will create 500 jobs and achieve an annual export volume of $100 million, with further growth to follow», — Selman Alimoglu said, Head of the Turkish company Orzax.
Other speakers included Yu Yuifei, Vice Chairman of the Board of Directors of Dalian Hesheng Holdings Group Co., Ltd. (China); Alexander Luft, CEO of Stadler CIS (Switzerland); Daniel Hernandez, President for the CIS of Roca Group (Spain); Christina Dorosh, Regional Director CISSEE Visa (USA); and Kim De Ki, CEO of KIA Qazaqstan (Korea).
On the sidelines of KGIR-2025, 49 documents were signed totaling $7.5 billion, including 13 commercial agreements worth $3.8 billion signed in the presence of Prime Minister Olzhas Bektenov.
Among them:
Following the roundtable, the Prime Minister presented awards to representatives of the top investor companies, including: Li Xuechun, Founder of Fufeng Group; David Manzini, President of PepsiCo for Russia, Belarus, the Caucasus, and Central Asia; Chen Jinghe, Chairman of Zijin Mining Group Company Limited; Alexander Luft, CEO of Stadler CIS; Xu Jie, CEO of Kazakhstan Lihua LLP; Kim De Ki, CEO of KIA Qazaqstan LLP; Daniel Gunaselan, Founder and Owner of KIS – CEO of Gateway Ventures; Amer Mahasen, CEO of Power International Holding Kazakhstan; Mathieu Françay, Vice President of Air Liquide Group overseeing the Gulf countries and Kazakhstan; Dmitriy Matyas, CEO of Oi-Qaragai; Beknur Nesipbayev, CEO of Astana Motors; and Adam Alekseyuk, CEO of Chimpharm JSC.
On the sidelines of KGIR-2025, the Prime Minister visited an exhibition where international investor companies presented their ongoing and planned projects in Kazakhstan.
The Swiss company Harvest Group SA presented a project in the agro-industrial sector to convert pasture and rangeland into irrigated land using modern irrigation systems. As a result, by 2029, approximately 300,000 hectares of irrigated land will be introduced into agricultural turnover, and soil productivity will increase by 4–6 times.
Additionally, projects were presented by companies such as Orzax Alyors for the launch of a dietary supplements plant; R-Pharm and Abdi Ibrahim Global Pharm for pharmaceutical production; Stadler for the production of railway rolling stock and components; Primus Education for the establishment of a Kazakhstan campus of the British university Coventry University; Success Co., Ltd. for the launch of industrial production facilities; and RETD for the creation of a high-speed transport system in the Almaty agglomeration.
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