13 May 2026, 12:55
Deputy Prime Minister – Minister of National Economy of the Republic of Kazakhstan Serik Zhumangarin took part in the opening of the business forum “Economic Integration and Cooperation of the OTS Countries: New Opportunities in Industry, Agro-Industrial Complex, Logistics and Digitalization”.
The forum, held in Astana, brought together representatives of state bodies, financial institutions, chambers of commerce and industry, international organizations, and the business community of the Organization of Turkic States (OTS).
In his speech, Serik Zhumangarin emphasized that the development of cooperation within the OTS remains one of the priority directions of Kazakhstan’s foreign economic policy.
According to him, the OTS countries form a market with a population of over 170 million people and possess significant industrial, transport, agricultural, and human potential.
In the context of global transformation of the world economy and increased competition for investment, technology, and logistics routes, practical economic cooperation is becoming particularly important. In this regard, the Deputy Prime Minister noted that the main task is to move from declarations to joint projects, new productions, technological alliances, and mutual investments.
“Kazakhstan consistently advocates for the deepening of economic integration among Turkic states. We see great potential in the development of industrial cooperation, joint agro-industrial projects, transport and logistics corridors, digital platforms, and e-commerce,” Serik Zhumangarin noted.
Special attention in his speech was given to the activities of the Turkic Investment Fund. According to the Vice Prime Minister, Kazakhstan views the TIF as one of the key financial mechanisms for supporting joint projects of the OTS countries.
“For Kazakhstan, it is essential that the TIF becomes not just a financial institution, but a full-fledged platform for economic integration that promotes growth in mutual trade, the creation of new productions, and the expansion of investment cooperation between our countries,” he emphasized.
At the initial stage, the Turkic Investment Fund is ready to allocate from $20 million for co-financing projects. Negotiations are currently underway regarding the Fund’s participation in financing the development of infrastructure at Almaty International Airport.
Serik Zhumangarin separately highlighted the importance of developing sustainable transport routes, including the Trans-Caspian International Transport Route, as well as the modernization of railway and port infrastructure, which expands opportunities for transit and trade between East and West.
The Deputy Prime Minister also noted the high potential for cooperation in the field of digitalization. According to him, the OTS countries have broad opportunities for joint development of the IT sector, startup ecosystems, digital services, artificial intelligence, and innovative solutions. In this regard, he welcomed the participation of representatives of Astana Hub, the Astana International Financial Centre, and other development institutions in the forum.
Serik Zhumangarin stressed that special attention should be paid to strengthening interaction between the business communities of the OTS countries.
“It is entrepreneurs who are the key driving force of integration processes. Therefore, it is important to create the most favorable conditions for business — to reduce barriers, expand access to financing, support joint initiatives, and strengthen business contacts,” he noted.
In conclusion, the Deputy Prime Minister expressed gratitude to the Organization of Turkic States, the Union of Chambers of Commerce and Industry of Turkic States, the National Chamber of Entrepreneurs “Atameken”, as well as all partners and organizers of the forum for their joint work and significant contribution to strengthening economic interaction in the region.
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