Kazakhstan and Estonia sign agreements worth $517 million, boost trade ties

At the Kazakhstan - Estonia business forum, companies from both countries signed 11 commercial agreements totalling more than $517 million.

The forum was attended by Presidents Kassym-Jomart Tokayev and Alar Karis, with discussions covering a wide range of areas for collaboration.

President Tokayev highlighted promising sectors for cooperation, including transport and logistics, digitalisation, agriculture, industry, finance, and education.

He noted that the Kazakhstani government is ready to facilitate the expansion of Estonian companies in Kazakhstan and emphasised that increased business interaction could stimulate trade and investment.

Ahead of the forum, the two Presidents held a one-on-one meeting, during which Tokayev expressed interest in accessing Estonian seaports, strengthening trade ties, and maintaining constructive contacts within international organisations.

In response, President Karis stated that Estonia is prepared to support Kazakhstani companies in entering the European Union market. Trade turnover between the two countries has reached $46 million since the start of the year.

Economic relations have a long-standing history: since 2005, Estonian direct investment in Kazakhstan has exceeded $128 million, and more than 80 Estonian companies operate in the country. The memorandum of understanding on customs issues signed during the forum is expected to simplify logistics and contribute to increased trade turnover.

Estonia regards Kazakhstan as a partner for developing transport connectivity under the Global Gateway initiative, aimed at creating alternative transport corridors. The Estonian business delegation, comprising companies in logistics, transit, ICT, cybersecurity, education, and technology, expressed readiness to explore investment opportunities in Kazakhstan.

President Karis’ visit is the second by an EU head of state to Kazakhstan within a month, following the visit of Finnish President Alexander Stubb, reflecting Europe’s growing interest in economic and political engagement in Central Asia and Kazakhstan’s role as a key regional actor.

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