Salt Lake City,  April 28, 2026 — A high-level delegation of the Republic of Kazakhstan, comprising representatives of government agencies, business, and higher education, is paying a working visit to the State of Utah, USA, from April 24 to 29, 2026. The visit aims to advance direct subnational ties in support of the growing strategic dialogue between Astana and Washington.

A key event of the program was a meeting with Lieutenant Governor of Utah Deidre M. Henderson, held on April 27 at the Utah State Capitol. The parties discussed prospects for cooperation in investment, urban development, critical minerals, advanced materials, higher education, and support for women’s entrepreneurship. An official invitation was extended to the Lieutenant Governor on behalf of the Government of the Republic of Kazakhstan to visit Kazakhstan.

The delegation was led by Ruslan Berdenov, Director of the Almaty City Development Center, and Kairat Bekenov, Chairman of the Board of JSC Almaty Invest. They presented the investment, industrial, and urban development potential of Almaty, Kazakhstan’s largest city, which accounts for approximately 23% of the country’s GDP. Particular attention was given to cooperation opportunities in Smart City infrastructure, high-tech manufacturing, tourism, and the development of the mountain resort cluster.

Kazakhstan’s business community was represented by Aqniet Group, Das-Sauda, Meisster Group, Nero Group, and Center Elite NS. The education track was represented by Serik Irsaliyev, President of Astana International University. During the meetings, the parties discussed opportunities to expand cooperation with the University of Utah and Southern Utah University, including prospects for their presence in Kazakhstan’s higher education system.

The visit also included business meetings with 47G, World Trade Center Utah, Bennett Group, Edison House, Neumont College of Computer Science, Provo Mining Association, the University of Utah, and Space Dynamics Lab. Several meetings yielded preliminary Letters of Intent in electronics, advanced materials, FMCG, and industrial development. 

The visit was organized by the Consulate General of the Republic of Kazakhstan in San Francisco in cooperation with Xander Group, Bennett Group, and 47G, with the support of the Utah Governor’s Office of Economic Opportunity and World Trade Center Utah.

Source : https://www.gov.kz/memleket/entities/mfa-san-francisko/press/news/details/1210902?lang=kk