Further steps to strengthen trade and economic relations between Kazakhstan and the European Union were discussed by the Prime Minister of the Republic of Kazakhstan Alikhan Smailov and the Vice-President of the European Commission Margaritis Schinas.

Kazakhstan attaches particular importance to strengthening mutually beneficial relations with the European Union.

Today, the Enhanced Partnership and Cooperation Agreement, as well as the new EU Strategy for Central Asia, play a significant role in this.

“We support a mutual spirit for the further progressive development of Kazakh-European cooperation in the spirit of trust and respect,” said Alikhan Smailov.

The EU is one of the largest trade and investment partners of the Republic of Kazakhstan.

It accounts for about 30% of foreign trade and about 40% of attracted investments.

Thus, trade turnover over the 11 months of last year increased by almost 5% and reached about $38 billion.

“Today there are almost 6 thousand joint ventures operating in Kazakhstan, 130 of which joined just in the last year. These indicators highlight the sustainability and attractiveness of our economy for European partners. We call on the European investment community to expand participation in joint projects,” emphasized Alikhan Smailov.

For his part, the Vice-President of the European Commission noted that Kazakhstan is an important partner for the European Union.

“We know that you are undergoing major modernization processes. On behalf of the European Union, I would like to note the importance of the reforms initiated by President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev, which make Kazakhstan a very significant player in the Central Asian region,” said Margaritis Schinas.