Astana, 22 September – Lord Alderdice, the UK Trade Envoy to Central Asia visited Kazakhstan on 19-22 September 2026 as part of his regional tour.

During the visit, Lord Alderdice was received by Serik Zhumangarin, Deputy Prime Minister – Minister of National Economy of Kazakhstan. He also held meetings with Arman Shakkaliyev - Minister of Trade and Integration, Sayasat Nurbek - Minister of Science and Higher Education, Alibek Kuatnyrov - Minister of Ecology and Natural Resources, as well as with representatives of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Ministry of Energy, Agency for Atomic Energy, JSC “KEGOC” and Alatau City Authority.

The discussions focused on advancing trade and investment cooperation, the practical implementation of the Strategic Partnership and Cooperation Agreement (entered into force in June 2026), as well as preparations for the 12th meeting of the Kazakhstan–UK Intergovernmental Commission on trade, scientific, technical and cultural cooperation, scheduled to take place in Astana in October 2026.

The sides discussed the dynamics of bilateral trade. In 2025, bilateral trade reached 1.63 billion US dollars, an increase of 83.7% compared to 2024. During the first seven months of 2026, trade reached 1.25 billion US dollars, representing a 68.5% increase compared to the same period of 2025.

Particular attention was paid to diversifying bilateral trade and expanding exports of non-commodity products with higher added value. The sides discussed the organisation of a trade mission of British importers to Kazakhstan, UK market requirements for quality and certification, as well as opportunities to attract British investment to Kazakhstan’s manufacturing, energy, logistics and high-tech sectors.

The UK side expressed interest in Kazakhstan’s economic development priorities, including electricity generation and transmission, green energy, environmental protection, ecosystem conservation and biodiversity. Meetings with the Agency for Atomic Energy and JSC “KEGOC” covered prospects for cooperation in civil nuclear energy, energy infrastructure and technological cooperation.

Scientific and educational cooperation was also an important part of the visit. Lord Alderdice attended the ceremony marking the start of construction of the new Coventry University Kazakhstan campus in Astana and the opening of the new building of the British school Ardingly Astana. The British side also proposed expanding cooperation through joint seminars and conferences, as well as the development of research programmes in areas of mutual interest.

Following the visit, the sides reaffirmed their interest in strengthening the strategic partnership, expanding trade and investment, diversifying bilateral trade and implementing concrete joint projects.

Source : https://www.gov.kz/memleket/entities/mfa-london/press/news/details/1308256?lang=ru