Italy and Kazakhstan are expanding their economic cooperation, with more than $8 billion in potential partnerships under discussion across critical sectors such as energy, agriculture, logistics, and technology.

The Italy-Kazakhstan Supply Chain Forum, held on May 28 in Astana, served as a key platform to advance bilateral trade and industrial ties just ahead of the Astana International Forum (AIF) on May 29–30.

Organized by the Italy-Kazakhstan Trade Association (ACIK) alongside national agencies and business leaders, the event built on the momentum of last October’s bilateral forum in Milan. It also laid the foundation for the next round of talks to be held in Italy.

Kazakh Prime Minister Olzhas Bektenov emphasized the growing strategic partnership between the two countries, highlighting Italy’s longstanding investment in sectors such as energy, pharmaceuticals, chemicals, and machinery. He noted that bilateral trade rose 25% in 2024, reaching nearly $20 billion, with $18 billion in Kazakh exports. In Q1 2025 alone, trade hit $4.4 billion.

“Italy remains among our top five EU investors, with $7.6 billion invested over the past 20 years,” said Bektenov. “Our government is focused on improving the investment climate with incentives like tax and customs benefits, infrastructure support, and a responsive legal environment.”

New Agreements and Sectoral Focus

The forum resulted in 10 memoranda of understanding worth €180 million (approx. $204 million) in areas such as petrochemicals, machinery, agriculture, metallurgy, and logistics digitalization. These agreements aim to position both countries for joint production projects targeting European, Central Asian, and Chinese markets.

Kazakh Minister of Trade and Integration Arman Shakkaliev called the event a “milestone” in bilateral ties, emphasizing Kazakhstan’s role as a key Eurasian transport and logistics hub, especially via the Trans-Caspian International Transport Route (TITR) or Middle Corridor, which saw a 63% increase in cargo in 2024.

Kazakhstan proposed several initiatives including:

• A joint investment fund for bilateral projects,
• A Digital Supply Chain 4.0 platform,
• Co-insurance mechanisms for export/investment risks,
• An ESG roadmap aligned with international standards,
• And a “Made in Kazakhstan with Italy” co-brand to highlight technology partnerships.
   

Agricultural exports were also spotlighted, particularly organic grain, oilseeds, and animal feed.

Industrial Integration and Workforce Development

Maire Group CEO Alessandro Bernini praised Kazakhstan’s transformation since the 1990s, pointing to vast industrial opportunities for Italian firms.

“We encourage Italian companies to establish a permanent presence in Kazakhstan,” Bernini said. “The country is in the midst of major industrial investment, and we can accelerate the modernization of local companies by working together.”

Maire Group is already collaborating with local universities to recruit and train graduates for the growing industrial sector.

Challenges for SMEs and Support Solutions

Livio Mazzuoccolo, General Manager of Confindustria, noted that many European SMEs lack adequate preparation when entering Kazakhstan or Central Asia. He said proper registration and market integration typically take 16 months, and that sectors like oil and gas require additional licensing steps.

To better support Italian SMEs, Confindustria is transforming its Kazakhstan office into Confindustria Central Asia and Caucasus, aimed at streamlining market entry and offering targeted guidance.

Energy Transition and Strategic Geography

Paolo Arrighetti, SVP at Ansaldo Energia, highlighted Kazakhstan’s balanced approach to the energy transition — promoting renewables while converting coal-fired plants to gas-powered systems to ensure grid stability.

“These forums are essential for launching meaningful collaborations,” said Arrighetti. “Kazakhstan’s location — between China, Russia, and Europe — makes it an emerging regional hub amid global realignments.”

He concluded that instability elsewhere has created opportunities in Central Asia, and that Kazakhstan is uniquely positioned to serve as a stable, innovation-driven partner in this new geopolitical landscape.

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