Kazakhstan and the Czech Republic are strengthening economic cooperation. Astana has hosted a business forum where the two countries’ businessmen discussed profitable joint projects and met potential customers. The sides also discussed mechanisms to improve trade between the countries. The Czech delegation consisted of the representatives of about 25 companies engaged in the production of vehicles, fertilizers, pharmaceuticals, supply of information and communication technologies.

MICHAL STEFL, VICE PRESIDENT, ECONOMIC CHAMBER OF CZECH REPUBLIC:

We would like to establish new connections with Kazakh entrepreneurs not only in the engineering industry, but also in healthcare, pharmaceutical industry and tourism.

Kazakhstan exports products of oil and gas industry, the chemical industry, in particular, yellow phosphorus and metals to the Czech Republic. The Czech Republic supplies Kazakhstan with home appliances, sewage treatment and cars. At present, 185 joint ventures involving Czech capital are registered in Kazakhstan.

AYAN YERENOV, CHAIRMAN, KAZAKHSTAN’S CHAMBER OF COMMERCE:

Czech companies are mainly interested in tourism and recycling. They see Kazakhstan not just as a platform for manufacturing; they also focus on our local market. They are interested in the Chinese and the Russian markets, so they see the benefit. Therefore, they want to work with us.

In total, Czech businessmen invested about $186 million in Kazakhstan over 10 years. Nevertheless, the parties intend to expand the economic cooperation.

BAKHYTZHAN DZHAKSALIYEV, KAZAKH DEPUTY MINISTER OF ENERGY:

We welcome the participation of Czech businesses in the projects of development of Kazakhstan’s high-tech export-oriented production, corresponding to the strategy of Kazakhstan’s industrial-innovative development.

As the forum finished, Kazakhstan Chamber of Commerce signed a memorandum on cooperation with the Economic Chamber of the Czech Republic. According to the parties, the new agreement will give an additional impetus to the partnership and will facilitate making new business contacts between the two countries.