Kazakhstan Sees Malaysia As ASEAN Gateway, Seeks Stronger Trade And Investment Links
By Noor Bakhtiar Ahmad
KUALA LUMPUR, Sept 16 (Bernama) -- Kazakhstan is turning to the Malaysia International Halal Showcase (MIHAS) 2025 to expand trade and investment with Malaysia, which it sees as a strategic partner and entry point to the broader ASEAN market.
Kazakhstan’s Ambassador to Malaysia, Bulat Sugurbayev, said the inaugural visit of Minister of Trade and Integration Arman Shakkaliev to Malaysia, held in conjunction with MIHAS 2025, marks an important milestone in advancing bilateral economic ties.
“Malaysia is one of our most important partners in Southeast Asia and a strategic entry point to the ASEAN market,” he told Bernama on Tuesday.
MIHAS 2025 returns for its 21st edition at the Malaysia International Trade and Exhibition Centre (MITEC), Kuala Lumpur, from Sept 17 to Sept 20.
According to Sugurbayev, among the highlights of the visit is the signing of a memorandum of understanding (MoU) between QazTrade and MATRADE.
“This MoU will establish a permanent channel for cooperation, business exchanges and joint trade promotion initiatives,” he said.
Sugurbayev said Kazakhstan is keen to diversify its exports to Malaysia beyond traditional commodities.
“We are focusing on halal-certified food products, wheat, grain, meat, metallurgical goods and chemicals. With Malaysia’s food imports exceeding US$15 billion annually, Kazakhstan can be a reliable partner in supporting food security,” he stressed.
On investment, he pointed to President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev’s recent policy direction.
“Our President has launched a new investment cycle focused on manufacturing, high-tech and the digital economy, supported by revised policy tools and incentives for technology-focused investors.
“We see strong potential for joint projects with Malaysia in areas such as renewable energy, manufacturing, logistics and the digital economy. With Malaysia’s expertise, there is scope for meaningful technology transfer,” he said.
The ambassador also underscored Kazakhstan’s role as a transit hub under the “Middle Corridor”, linking Asia and Europe through the integration of North–South, East–West, Belt and Road and Trans-Caspian corridors.
“We are introducing new digital platforms such as Smart Cargo to simplify border logistics, and we invite Malaysian firms, including KTM and port operators, to participate in these opportunities,” he added.
Sugurbayev further pointed to several promising sectors for Malaysian businesses.
“Kazakhstan is investing US$1 billion in high-tech industries, which opens opportunities for joint ventures in artificial intelligence solutions, digital platforms and GovTech applications. An MDEC-led business mission is expected to visit Kazakhstan later this year,” he said.
He added that there are also collaboration opportunities in renewable energy, automotive, machinery and advanced materials, while Kazakhstan’s position along the expanding China–ASEAN rail links under the Belt and Road Initiative offers Malaysian companies a springboard for transit to Europe.
“The success of AirAsia flights between Kuala Lumpur and Almaty, which carried more than 100,000 passengers in 2024, could pave the way for expanded cooperation in aviation, hospitality and tourism,” he said.
To support these linkages, the Embassy of Kazakhstan in Kuala Lumpur is organising a Kazakhstan Networking Session at MIHAS-2025.
“We are working closely with QazTrade, Kazakh Invest and the Astana International Financial Centre (AIFC) to connect Malaysian investors with concrete projects. Our approach is pragmatic – to move beyond discussions and create real opportunities for Malaysian and Kazakh businesses to grow together,” Sugurbayev said.
-- BERNAMA
