Astana (TDI): The recent visit of Kazakh President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev to the United States focused on advancing Kazakhstan’s economic agenda through targeted discussions with multinational corporations, financial institutions, and US development bodies.
Key priorities included long-term investment, production localization, and integration into global value chains. A major outcome of the visit was the signing of a $180 million investment agreement between Kazakhstan’s Ministry of Agriculture and Mars, Incorporated. Mars plans to establish a pet food production facility in Alatau, focusing on deep processing of agricultural raw materials and high-value-added products. CEO Poul Weihrauch highlighted that the facility will serve as a regional hub for expanding operations in Central Asia.
Healthcare was another priority. Tokayev engaged with Ashmore Group to discuss building an international clinic in partnership with Ashmore Healthcare International and Samruk-Kazyna Invest, with operational support from the Mount Sinai Health System. The initiative aligns with Kazakhstan’s push to develop medical infrastructure, medical tourism, and high-tech investment under its Open Investment Partnership program.
Aviation cooperation also featured prominently. Tokayev met with Boeing executives to explore opportunities with Kazakh carriers Air Astana, SCAT Airlines, and VietJet Qazaqstan. Air Astana is scheduled to receive Boeing 787 Dreamliners in the second half of 2026, potentially enabling direct flights to the US, while SCAT is evaluating both fleet expansion and its first maintenance and repair center at Shymkent Airport in collaboration with an American partner.
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The visit concluded with talks with the US International Development Finance Corporation, where CEO Ben Black emphasized Kazakhstan’s strategic importance in Eurasia. Discussions focused on mining, transport, and transit infrastructure critical for regional trade.
According to the World Investment Report 2025, Kazakhstan leads Central Asia in foreign direct investment (FDI), with inward FDI stock reaching $151 billion in 2024, far surpassing neighboring countries. The Washington talks underscored Kazakhstan’s emphasis on long-term institutional partnerships rather than isolated deals, signaling stability and investor confidence.
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In addition to economic discussions, Tokayev participated in the inaugural Board of Peace meeting, where Kazakhstan expressed readiness to contribute to Gaza’s reconstruction and broader stabilization efforts, including potential financial support and participation in peacekeeping initiatives.
