Prime Minister of Kazakhstan Olzhas Bektanov and Prime Minister of Malaysia Anwar Ibrahim held a Kazakhstan-Malaysia investment roundtable in Nur-Sultan with the participation of representatives from business communities and academic circles of both countries.
The Prime Minister of Kazakhstan noted that Malaysia is one of the key trade and economic partners in Southeast Asia, according to the Prime Minister's press service.
Over the year, bilateral trade turnover has increased from $150 million to almost $245 million. The goal is to unlock the existing economic potential and exceed the pre-pandemic mutual trade figure of $650 million.
"Our countries maintain a close political dialogue, which serves as a strong foundation for partnership. Your meeting yesterday with the President of our country, Kassym-Jomart Tokayev, marks an important historical milestone in the development of bilateral relations. The Government of Kazakhstan expresses readiness to implement all agreements reached at the highest level," emphasized Olzhas Bektanov.
The Prime Minister also stated Kazakhstan's intention to diversify exports to Malaysia and called on Malaysian businessmen to jointly explore new opportunities to strengthen partnership in services, manufacturing, finance, education, mining, agriculture, and construction.
Currently, there are 48 companies with Malaysian capital operating in Kazakhstan. 17 joint investment projects with a total value of over $410 million are being implemented.
In turn, Prime Minister of Malaysia Anwar Ibrahim noted the positive dynamics of interstate cooperation. In recent years, the growth in trade turnover between the countries exceeds 30%. Malaysia intends to enhance cooperation with Kazakhstan in the tourism, education, energy sectors, as well as in the supply of Kazakh halal products.
Agreements and memorandums totaling over $350 million were signed. Cooperation is planned in attracting investments in Islamic finance and trade development, as well as in the food industry, mining sector, gold processing, and joint production of transformer and automotive oils.
Earlier, President Tokayev and Prime Minister of Malaysia held talks in an expanded format.
