Warsaw, 17 June 2023 (TDI): During the course of the 9th meeting of the Kazakhstan-Poland Intergovernmental Commission on Economic Cooperation from June 15 – 16, 2023, the two countries discoursed the enhancement of mutual trade, the execution of joint-investment projects in different sectors and cooperation in potential areas for sustainable development.
The intergovernmental commission was attended by Kazakhstan’s Deputy Foreign Minister and Secretary of State at Poland’s Ministry of Economic Development and Technology, along with representatives of the sectoral ministries and departments of the two sides.
Discussion on Prospective Areas of Cooperation
The meeting focused on trade expansion and the implementation of combined investment projects in business, finance, education, infrastructure, pharmaceuticals and other related sectors.
In addition, cooperation in the areas of green energy and information technology for a contribution towards achieving the goal of sustainable development was also considered.
Rise in Mutual Trade turnover
The two sides acknowledged the rise in bilateral trade turnover between Kazakhstan and Poland to 80%, in 2022, and the increment of over US $430 mn in the first four months of 2023.
While considering Kazakhstan as Poland’s leading trade partner in Central Asia, the former expressed readiness to further extend trade relations between the two countries.
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In response, Kazakhstan informed Poland of its state support measures for foreign investors, which have led to record-high investments for the year 2022 for the past 10 years.
Two sides conclude Protocol
A list of significant joint business projects was prepared by the countries based on a shared interest in developing cooperation, followed by the signing of an agreement for the fortification of cooperation in several sectors.
Also, the Protocol of the meeting of the Kazakhstan-Poland Intergovernmental Commission on Economic Cooperation was concluded.
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During the meeting, focus was also laid on the secondary impact of sanctions on Kazakhstan’s economy as well as the need for speedy negotiations regarding the EU’s visa policy towards the former’s citizens.
Kazakhstan-Poland Business Forum
The prestigious Business Forum was held in Warsaw, a day before the inter-governmental commission.
In the presence of representatives of the business community from both sides, discussions were conducted on issues of bilateral cooperation in sectors such as transportation, digitalization, information and communication technologies, and many more.
The forum also showcased Kazakhstan’s investment potential.
Following the discussions, several agreements and MoUs were concluded between the commercial entities of both sides.
Bilateral Meetings During Kazakh Minister’s Visit
As part of the visit, Kazakhstan’s Deputy Foreign Minister met with other high officials in Poland and exchanged commitments to further promote cooperation in the economic, political, humanitarian and cultural spheres.
Moreover, during a meeting with the representatives of leading think tanks in Poland, Kazakhstan discussed the outcomes of the Astana International Forum as well as the pragmatic approach of its foreign policy. It was agreed upon to achieve cooperation through research institutes in both states.
The Minister’s visit to Warsaw was largely a success, with the Poland-Kazakhstan Business Forum, and the Poland-Kazakhstan Intergovernmental Commission on Economic Cooperation. In addition, he met with several high officials in Poland.
With the implementation of the agreed projects and the exploration of new avenues of cooperation, it is hoped that Kazakhstan will strengthen its position in Europe and especially among the EU, which will not only foster its economy but serve as a stepping stone in increasing the geo-economic importance of the whole of Central Asia.
