The first meeting in the format of Benelux-Kazakhstan trade negotiations was held on February 15, 2024 at Nazarbayev University. Participants presented an overview of the results of trade turnover between EU countries, and also discussed further prospects for the development of trade and investment.

The organizers of the event were JSC “Center for Trade Policy Development “QazTrade” and the Chamber of Commerce of the BeniLux region. The partners’ joint initiative to strengthen cooperation and expand trade interaction received a wide response from government and business representatives. The Nazarbayev University site was also visited by the ambassadors of Belgium and the Netherlands, KazakhExport, representatives of the business sector, researchers and members of the academic community of Nazarbayev University and the School of Business.

As noted by the President of the BeniLux Chamber of Commerce, Van den Wijgh Denis, Kazakhstan, as the economic leader of the Central Asian region, seeks to contribute to the restoration and improvement of global trade. In 2015, an Enhanced Partnership and Cooperation Agreement was signed between Kazakhstan and the European Union. The agreements had a positive impact on strengthening bilateral relations, which was also reflected in the expansion of export-import supplies.

In 2023, the total volume of trade between Kazakhstan and EU countries reached $41.4 billion, which is 3.5% higher than the same period in 2022. Exports of Kazakh goods to the European market decreased slightly and amounted to $31 billion. Import supplies to Kazakhstan increased to $10.4 billion.The key trading partners of Kazakhstan in the EU are Belgium and the Netherlands, which are part of the Benelux. These countries account for the bulk of investments.

According to Van den Weij Denis, Kazakhstan has good potential for expanding trade, the necessary resources and a strategic location. According to the meeting participants, the development of the Trans-Caspian transit route can play a special role in this process. The so-called Middle Corridor may in the future become a full-fledged alternative to the Northern Corridor in light of the restructuring of supply chains. This will allow Kazakhstan, the Benelux countries and the EU to receive maximum benefits.

In particular, the Ambassador of the Kingdom of Belgium to Kazakhstan, Henri Vantigem, highlighted the great opportunities for Kazakhstan to develop trade flows through the Middle Corridor, as well as the ease of transport links between the Benelux region and other European countries.

The successful development of the Middle Corridor will simultaneously help Kazakhstan increase exports of goods from the metallurgical, chemical, engineering, construction and pharmaceutical industries, for which there is a growth potential of $2.3 billion in exports to the EU. In turn, EU and Benelux countries will be able to deliver their goods to Kazakhstan faster by optimizing processes along the Middle Corridor.

For his part, Ambassador of the Netherlands Nico Schermers noted the importance of a stable legal system, transparency, uniform norms and standards to ensure smooth trade. This will further attract business and give impetus to an increase in export-import supplies.

As part of a panel session on trade between Kazakhstan and the Benelux countries, Ainur Amirbekova, Director of the International Integration Department of QazTrade Trade Policy Development Center JSC, spoke about government support measures for non-resource exporters. Today in Kazakhstan, in strict compliance with WTO legislation, non-resource exporters and manufacturers are provided with non-financial and service support measures on the basis of QazTrade of the Ministry of Trade and Integration. In particular, there are programs to promote exports and bring Kazakh manufacturers to international marketplaces. For promising exporters, trade and economic missions are organized to priority countries to present goods and services and search for new partners. Through the export credit agency “KazakhExport”, financial support instruments are available to Kazakh enterprises, including export lending.

In conclusion, the meeting participants came to the conclusion that in order to develop relations between the Benelux region and Kazakhstan, it is necessary to diversify trade flows between our countries. This will lead to increased exports of goods and services and will benefit all parties.

In addition, Kazakhstan is interested in expanding partnerships with the Benelux countries and is ready to cooperate in the field of technology, research and innovation in order to exchange experience