On October 29, 2024, Astana hosted the 9th meeting of the Kazakh-Italian working group on economic and industrial cooperation. The delegations, headed by Vice Minister of Trade and Integration of the Republic of Kazakhstan Kairat Torebayev and Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of Italy Edmondo Cirielli, discussed the development of bilateral relations in key areas.

The Kazakh side noted a significant increase in trade turnover with Italy, which reached $16.1 billion in 2023. This increase highlights the expansion of cooperation in important areas such as energy, transport, agriculture, information technology and innovation. The parties also welcomed the first financing provided by the Italian financial institution CDP in cooperation with SACE and the Development Bank of Kazakhstan. This initiative aims to support sustainable development projects in Kazakhstan, with a particular focus on renewable energy sources, energy efficiency and sustainable infrastructure, including health and water resources.
An important aspect of the meeting was the discussion of increasing traffic volumes along the Trans-Caspian International Transport Route, which will create additional opportunities for mutual trade. The parties also confirmed their interest in the development of the transport and logistics sector, which is a key factor for improving the effectiveness of bilateral economic relations.
Kazakhstan has proposed to expand cooperation in the agricultural sector, including fruit growing, vegetable growing and grain processing. In this context, NC Food Contract Corporation JSC expressed its readiness for long-term partnerships with Italian grain processors and discussion of the supply of high-protein wheat to the Italian market.
The two sides also confirmed their intentions to continue the exchange of experience in the field of culture, tourism, sports and transport infrastructure. Italian companies were invited to consider the possibility of investing in renewable energy sources, as well as in the Khorgos Special Economic Zone and projects based on the Astana International Financial Center.

The next meeting of the working group is scheduled for 2025 in Rome.

Source : https://www.gov.kz/memleket/entities/mti/press/news/details/873707