Kazakhstan, as Central Asia’s largest economy, offers Germany a gateway to the broader region, while Germany’s expertise in technology and industrial innovation aligns with Kazakhstan’s ambitions to modernize its economy and reduce its dependence on oil and gas exports.
On September 16, Kazakhstan’s President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev welcomed German Federal Chancellor Olaf Scholz to Akorda, marking Scholz’s first visit to Kazakhstan in 14 years. The meeting, described as a historic milestone by President Tokayev, emphasized the importance of strengthening bilateral relations between the two nations. “I am sure that we will give a very serious impetus to the development of our cooperation and increase bilateral trade. This is very important because Germany is one of our main European and even global partners,” Tokayev stated in his welcoming remarks.
The visit highlights Kazakhstan’s commitment to fostering deeper ties with Germany across multiple sectors, reflecting the growing significance of the partnership. President Tokayev underscored the importance of the multifaceted cooperation between Kazakhstan and Germany, particularly in areas such as trade, energy, and education. He expressed his gratitude to Chancellor Scholz for leading a delegation of business representatives, signaling the economic weight of the visit. Chancellor Scholz reciprocated with a statement of gratitude. “I thank you for the invitation and the opportunity to discuss and promote our bilateral relations,” Scholz remarked. His visit comes at a time when Kazakhstan and Germany are expanding their cooperation across political, trade, economic, cultural, and humanitarian fields.
The leaders discussed critical sectors of mutual interest, including energy, the green transition, industry, mining, transport, and logistics. Kazakhstan’s vast natural resources and strategic geographic location make it an important partner for Germany, especially in the context of Europe’s growing demand for energy diversification and green technologies. During the discussions, both sides emphasized the importance of cooperation in addressing climate change and promoting sustainable economic development. Agriculture and education were also identified as priority areas where Kazakhstan and Germany could further enhance collaboration.
Germany remains one of Kazakhstan’s top trading and investment partners, particularly within the European Union. According to data from the Kazakh government, mutual trade between the two countries grew by 13% in the first seven months of 2024, reaching $2.3 billion. Direct investment from Germany has also surged, with a 64% increase in 2023, amounting to $770 million. These investments have been largely directed toward the non-primary sectors of the Kazakh economy, which include industries such as manufacturing, renewable energy, and technology—areas that Kazakhstan is keen to develop as part of its long-term economic strategy. For Germany, Kazakhstan is an important source of raw materials, including rare earth metals, and a key partner in its efforts to transition to greener, more sustainable energy sources. As Europe looks to reduce its reliance on Russian energy, Kazakhstan’s role in the regional energy landscape is becoming even more pivotal.
Following his meeting with President Tokayev, Chancellor Scholz attended the second Central Asia+Germany summit on September 17. This summit brought together leaders from Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, and Turkmenistan to discuss strategic cooperation on trade and joint investment projects. The summit is expected to reinforce Germany’s commitment to deepening ties with Central Asia, as the region gains importance in global trade routes, logistics, and energy security.
The September 16 visit by Chancellor Scholz marks a new chapter in this partnership, reinforcing both nations’ commitment to building a more sustainable and interconnected future. With Kazakhstan’s strategic importance in Eurasia and Germany’s leadership in Europe, the potential for cooperation in areas such as green energy, industrial development, and education looks poised to grow significantly in the coming years. As the world faces evolving geopolitical and environmental challenges, the strengthened ties between Kazakhstan and Germany could serve as a model for broader cooperation between Europe and Central Asia.
