Tokayev: Kazakhstan ready to support Turkish investors in key sectors

Tengrinews.kz - Reforms aimed at improving Kazakhstan’s investment climate are opening up significant opportunities for foreign entrepreneurs, President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev said.

Speaking at the 5th meeting of the Kazakhstan–Turkey High-Level Strategic Cooperation Council on Tuesday, July 29, Tokayev emphasized that Kazakhstan, as an open and reliable partner, is always ready to support Turkish investors.

According to the Akorda press service, the two delegations also discussed energy cooperation, including prospects for increasing exports via the Baku–Tbilisi–Ceyhan pipeline.

Tokayev invited Turkish companies to take part in projects aimed at reducing the country’s electricity shortage. He also expressed confidence that collaboration between KazMunayGas and Turkiye Petroleum would be productive.

The president highlighted provisions in the new Tax Code that include a royalty regime designed to encourage deeper processing of raw materials. He called on Turkish investors to consider establishing a joint fund and participating in mining and natural resource development projects.

Agriculture was also identified as a promising area for cooperation. A quarter of Kazakhstan’s grain exports, a third of its cotton, and 26 percent of its gluten exports go to Turkey. Overall, 23 agriculture-related investment projects involving Turkish businesses are being implemented in Kazakhstan, worth a total of $1.3 billion. Eighteen of those projects are already up and running, with products being shipped to international markets.

Kazakhstan and Turkey hold 5th meeting of High-Level Strategic Cooperation Council

Earlier, the presidents of Kazakhstan and Turkey held talks, during which they discussed prospects for further strengthening their strategic partnership. The leaders focused in particular on expanding trade and economic ties, investment cooperation, and cultural and humanitarian exchanges.

President Tokayev thanked his Turkish counterpart for the warm welcome, while President Erdoğan reaffirmed his commitment to taking bilateral relations to a new level.

A few hours before the meeting, a formal welcoming ceremony was held for Tokayev at the Presidential Complex in Ankara. An honor guard was assembled in his honor, and the presidential motorcade was escorted by a mounted cavalry unit. Erdoğan personally welcomed Tokayev at the palace. National anthems were played, accompanied by a 21-gun salute. The leaders inspected the honor guard and introduced members of their delegations before beginning official talks.

President Tokayev arrived in Ankara on July 28 for his official visit.

At Ankara Esenboga Airport, he was met personally by President Erdoğan. A ceremonial honor guard had also been assembled at the foot of the aircraft steps.

Such personal receptions by Erdoğan are rare and typically reserved for leaders of especially friendly nations.

During his visit to Ankara, Tokayev has already held several meetings with representatives of Turkish companies.