Head of State Kassym-Jomart Tokayev attended the Kazakhstan-Iran business forum, paying special attention to the development of economic and investment relations between the two countries. The President thanked the President of the Islamic Republic of Iran, Masoud Pezeshkian, for his contribution to strengthening Kazakh-Iranian friendship.

During the forum, the potential for growth of bilateral trade turnover, investment projects and issues of transit and logistics cooperation were discussed. According to last year's figures, trade turnover exceeded $340 million, and this year this amount is expected to increase several times. Our countries plan to increase trade turnover to $1 billion in the first stage, and then to $2 billion. In addition, the importance of the initiative to open a Trade House of Kazakhstan in Tehran was noted.

Kassym-Jomart Tokayev touched upon the development of partnership in the fields of agriculture, transport and logistics, digital economy and artificial intelligence. In particular, more than 350 enterprises opened by the Iranian business community are successfully operating. New projects are planned, including the construction of a transport and logistics terminal at the Shahid Rajai port, connecting the ports of Aktau and Kuryk with Iranian ports, as well as the development of agricultural products and modern industries.

The Head of State also focused on the preservation of the Caspian Sea ecosystem, ecology, and regional cooperation. In addition, Kazakhstan intends to provide a new technological impetus by improving digital development, creating international centers in the field of artificial intelligence, and developing innovative cities.

Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian noted that the centuries-old friendship and socio-economic cooperation between the two countries have entered a new phase. The agreements will include shipping, the creation of consortia, joint production plants, export parks, and regional trade projects.

The forum is expected to give a new impetus to deepening the strategic partnership between Kazakhstan and Iran, and to the development of trade, investment, logistics, and technology.