Kazakhstan and Canada Discuss Potential for Enhanced Bilateral Cooperation
In a bid to explore stronger bilateral ties, Canada and Kazakhstan are actively pursuing collaborative opportunities across trade, investment, energy, education, and diplomatic cooperation.
The growing interest is evident in the increasing attraction of Canadian companies towards Kazakhstan's key sectors such as mining, energy, and agriculture. For instance, Canadian company Aras Minerals is actively involved in Kazakhstan's copper and gold mining. Similarly, Kazakh businesses, like BI Group, Kazakhstan’s largest property developer, are preparing to expand into the Canadian market.
Energy remains a focus area, with both countries acknowledging the potential for joint ventures and investments. The complementary nature of Kazakhstan's natural resource base and Canada's expertise promises a promising future for energy collaboration.
Education is another sector where both countries have expressed interest in enhancing cooperation, although specific programs or initiatives have yet to be detailed. The recent discussions between officials emphasize education as one of the pillars for future deeper engagement.
Diplomatic relations between the two countries are also growing, with both Kazakhstan and Canada recognising each other as important partners on global and regional stages. Kazakhstan values Canada's leadership in groups like the G7 and G20 and its role in global development and infrastructure. Bilateral diplomatic dialogue is ongoing and growing, as shown by recent high-level meetings organised by the Canadian Institute for Peace and Diplomacy to explore mutually beneficial cooperation.
Canadian Ambassador Christopher Duggan noted that shared geopolitical views and long-term strategic interests make bilateral engagement worthwhile. He also stated that Kazakhstan is Canada's most important trading partner in Central Asia, with bilateral merchandise trade totaling $500 million in 2024.
Despite the growth in trade, fluctuations in the uranium and iron markets caused a 35% decrease in bilateral merchandise trade between Kazakhstan and Canada in 2024, with uranium accounting for nearly $300 million in Canadian imports and iron totaling around $13 million.
Kazakh Ambassador Dauletbek Kussainov acknowledges limited awareness of Kazakhstan in Canada. However, he sees many opportunities for mutual beneficial cooperation between Kazakhstan and Canada in trade, investment, energy, education, and diplomacy. He also mentioned that Canadian companies are attracted to Kazakhstan's key sectors, particularly mining, energy, and agriculture.
In an era of fragmentation, cultivating a web of relationships is the best insurance for preserving an open international system, according to Zhiyenbayev. He also proposes that middle powers like Kazakhstan and Canada could collaborate in maintaining a rules-based international order.
Miras Zhiyenbayev, advisor to the chairman of Maqsut Narikbayev University, suggests a potential for middle powers like Kazakhstan and Canada to collaborate in maintaining a rules-based international order. He also proposes that Canada develop a regional strategy for Central Asia, similar to its Indo-Pacific strategy.
Foreign direct investment from Canada rose from $1 billion in 2021 to $2.2 billion in 2022 in Kazakhstan. Kazakhstan is also expanding its foreign policy reach, including into Africa.
Overall, the bilateral relationship is poised for expansion, with both governments and private sectors actively identifying and seizing new opportunities across trade, investment, energy, education, and diplomacy.
- The expansion in the bilateral relationship between Canada and Kazakhstan extends to the realm of education, with both countries exploring cooperative programs and initiatives as a pillar for future engagement.
- In the world of business and finance, the growth of Kazakhstan's partnership with Canada is evident in the increased interest of Canadian companies in key sectors such as mining, energy, and agriculture.
- Politics and policy-making also play a significant role in the strengthening bilateral ties, with leaders from both countries acknowledging the potential for collaboration in maintaining a rules-based international order.
