The Free Trade Agreement between the EEU and Iran has been in effect since May 2025. For the Republic of Kazakhstan, it means more favorable trade terms and a significant reduction in the customs burden.Import duties have been either reduced or completely eliminated for the majority of goods, enabling businesses to lower costs and expand their export-import operations.Furthermore, the Agreement establishes more transparent trade regulations and streamlined customs procedures.Please note that the benefits can only be applied if two key conditions are met:a certificate of origin in the prescribed form;direct delivery of goods between the parties to the Agreement.The list of specific goods subject to preferential import duty rates under the Agreement was officially approved by Decision No. 1 of the Board of the Eurasian Economic Commission, dated January 14, 2025.The Agreement, as a whole, simplifies trade relations with Iran and enables businesses to lower their costs.While an Interim Agreement has been in effect since 2019, creating a limited free trade zone, the full-scale Free Trade Agreement signed on December 25, 2023, marks a major shift, establishing a duty-free regime covering nearly 90% of the entire product range.Source : https://www.gov.kz/memleket/entities/kgd-vko/press/news/details/1200941?lang=kk

Naypyidaw, 10 April 2026 - Ambassador of Kazakhstan to the Kingdom of Thailand Margulan Baimukhan attended the official inauguration ceremony of the President of the Republic of the Union of Myanmar, U Min Aung Hlaing. During the ceremony, the Vice-Presidents and the newly appointed members of the Government also took the oath of office.This event marked the beginning of a new stage in Myanmar’s history. In his address, Min Aung Hlaing noted that, having been elected by Members of Parliament representing the entire nation, he is committed to respecting the will of the people and to fulfilling his state duties conscientiously and responsibly, with a deep sense of pride and honor. The new Government will continue its efforts to preserve national unity, strengthen the multiparty democratic and federal system, and enhance the economic and social well-being of the population. The President identified as key priorities the improvement of the education and healthcare systems, support for small and medium-sized enterprises, the development of agriculture, and the expansion of electricity generation from renewable energy sources.In the field of international relations, the President reaffirmed that the Government will pursue a balanced foreign policy and continue to strengthen friendly ties with neighboring countries and regional partners.During meetings with officials, the current state and prospects for further expanding bilateral relations were discussed, including the development of the legal and contractual framework between the two countries. The sides noted progress achieved through bilateral consultations in transport, logistics, and digitalization, and also reviewed preparations for a Kazakh business mission to Yangon, scheduled for May-June 2026. For reference:The Republic of the Union of Myanmar is a Southeast Asian country with a population of over 51 million. It is home to more than 100 ethnic groups. The country is a member of the ASEAN, is rich in rare earth elements and precious metals, and produces over 70 varieties of rice.Source : https://www.gov.kz/memleket/entities/mfa-thailand/press/news/details/1200929?lang=kk

The event will feature a rich and engaging program, including the scientific and practical conference “Taraz - City of Craftsmen: Traditional and Contemporary Crafts,” an exhibition of handmade works, master classes, and an exhibition of young artisans and artists titled “My World: Fantasy and Reality.” As part of the festival, the International Fashion Week “ASPARA FASHION WEEK” will also take place, showcasing a harmonious blend of national style and modern trends. The musical program “Dombyra Party,” held next to a felt artwork listed in the Guinness World Records, will offer guests a vibrant atmosphere of live traditional music. Visitors will have the opportunity to discover the secrets of craftsmanship, watch a national costume show, and enjoy a gala concert featuring popular performers. More than 100 craftsmen from abroad are expected to participate in the festival.https://www.gov.kz/memleket/entities/zhambyl/press/news/details/1197152?lang=en Source : https://www.gov.kz/memleket/entities/mfa-erevan/press/news/details/1200893?lang=kk

Toronto, April 13, 2026 – Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Kazakhstan Alibek Kuantyrov paid a working visit to Toronto, during which he took part in a roundtable discussion and held a number of meetings with the leadership of the ministry and representatives of the business community.A roundtable on “Kazakhstan–Canada Dialogue: Unlocking Cross-Sectoral Opportunities” was held under the co-chairmanship of Deputy Foreign Minister Alibek Kuantyrov and Assistant Deputy Minister of Economic Development, Job Creation and Trade of the Province of Ontario Suzanne Skinner. The event brought together more than 25 Canadian companies interested in developing business partnerships with Kazakhstan.In his remarks, Deputy Foreign Minister Kuantyrov presented key macroeconomic indicators of Kazakhstan and highlighted the country’s investment opportunities, including its potential as a regional transport and logistics hub. Canadian participants expressed strong interest in the Kazakh market, particularly noting the country’s steady economic growth and technological development.During the visit, Kuantyrov also held a meeting with Minister of Economic Development, Job Creation and Trade of the Province of Ontario Victor Fedeli. The parties noted the positive dynamics of bilateral cooperation, including engagement with the Province of Ontario. In turn, the Deputy Foreign Minister of Kazakhstan highly appreciated the outcomes of Ontario’s business mission to Astana in 2025 and invited Minister Fedeli to visit Kazakhstan.In addition, Deputy Foreign Minister Kuantyrov held a number of meetings with Canadian companies.The visit confirmed the mutual interest of the parties in deepening trade and economic cooperation and implementing joint investment projects in priority sectors of the economy.Source : https://www.gov.kz/memleket/entities/mfa/press/news/details/1200896?lang=kk

Strasbourg, April 14, 2026 – The Consul General of the Republic of Kazakhstan in Strasbourg Anel Bakytbekkyzy, held a meeting with the newly appointed Head of the Directorate of Political Affairs and External Relations of the Council of Europe, Ms. Natali Sabanadze.The parties discussed the current state and prospects of interaction between the Republic of Kazakhstan and the Council of Europe, including issues related to promoting the principles of the rule of law, democracy, and human rights protection. Particular attention was paid to the implementation of existing cooperation mechanisms within the framework of the Council of Europe’s Neighbourhood Cooperation Priorities with Kazakhstan for 2024-2027.The Council of Europe representative was informed about the progress of political reforms being implemented in Kazakhstan, aimed at modernizing the system of public administration and strengthening democratic institutions. Particular emphasis was placed on the outcomes of the recent referendum, as well as subsequent transformations, including the redistribution of powers among branches of government, the strengthening of the Parliament’s role, and the expansion of mechanisms for public participation in the implementation of public policy.Following the meeting, the parties expressed their readiness to further develop constructive and mutually beneficial cooperation.Source : https://www.gov.kz/memleket/entities/mfa-strasbourg/press/news/details/1200897?lang=kk