Kazakhstan and the United States Sign $5.2 Billion in Agreements, Strengthening Strategic Cooperation in Multiple Areas

Kazakh President Tokayev's visit to New York resulted in the signing of 11 agreements worth $5.2 billion, reflecting Kazakhstan's multifaceted balancing strategy within complex geopolitics.

In late September 2025, Kazakh President Tokayev achieved substantial results during his working visit to New York: Kazakhstan and American companies signed 11 important agreements with a total investment of $5.2 billion. These agreements cover strategic sectors such as transportation and logistics, energy, and information technology.

This signing is a key component of Tokayev's recent series of international visits. During his recent visit to China, the two sides signed 70 agreements worth approximately $15 billion.

01 Overview of the Agreements and Key Parties

Ruslan Djerdibay, spokesperson for the Kazakh Presidential Administration, stated that the Kazakh institutions participating in the signing of the agreements include Kazakhstan Railways, the Samruk-Kazyna National Welfare Fund, Kazakhstan Oil and Gas, and Kazakhstan Telecom.

US participants include the Export-Import Bank of the United States, as well as major corporations such as ExxonMobil, Chevron, Wabtec, LanzaJet, Amazon Kuiper, IFC, and Lummus Technologies.

These agreements cover strategic sectors such as transportation, logistics, energy, and information technology, aiming to attract $5.2 billion in investment into the Kazakh economy.

02 Core Transactions: Railway and Locomotive Cooperation

Most notable is the significant cooperation with Wabtec, valued at approximately $4.2 billion. This includes the production and subsequent maintenance of 300 modern freight locomotives in Kazakhstan.

These Evolution series locomotives offer improved fuel efficiency, extended maintenance intervals, and are designed to withstand Kazakhstan's complex terrain and harsh climate.

Since establishing its locomotive assembly plant in Astana in 2009, Wabtec has invested over $230 million, achieving a 45% local production rate. To date, the plant has delivered over 600 locomotives to Kazakhstan Railways and the export market.

03 Energy and Mineral Cooperation

The energy sector is a key component of Kazakhstan-US cooperation. American energy giants such as Chevron and ExxonMobil participated in the signed agreement.

American companies have consistently shown strong interest in Kazakhstan's mineral resources. Data shows that since the beginning of 2005, foreign direct investment from the United States has reached $48.8 billion, accounting for 13.5% of total investment in Kazakhstan.

The United States is one of the three largest investors in Kazakhstan's economy, and American investors are particularly interested in the mining industry. Approximately 30% of direct foreign investment in Kazakhstan's mining industry comes from the United States.

04 Digital Economy and Technological Cooperation

Information technology is another key focus of this cooperation agreement. Kazakhstan Telecom has reached cooperation agreements with tech giants such as Amazon.

This is not the first time Kazakhstan has collaborated with American tech companies. In September 2023, Tokayev met with Amazon Vice President Susan Poynter to discuss potential cooperation in cloud technology and data center development.

Mastercard previously selected Almaty as its regional hub for the CIS, Central and Eastern Europe, to develop its consulting business.

05 Geopolitical Context and Balancing Strategy

Located between China and Russia, Kazakhstan has long pursued a multi-faceted foreign policy. Tokayev's visit to New York and the results achieved represent a continuation and deepening of this policy.

The United States has significantly increased its attention and investment in Central Asia in recent years. In September 2023, US President Biden participated in the first C5+1 summit with the five Central Asian countries, discussing economic ties, supply chains, and the trans-Caspian "Middle Corridor" trade route.

The United States also proposed launching a C5+1 Critical Minerals Dialogue to develop the critical mineral sectors in Central Asian countries and ensure the security of key resources.

06 Investment Environment and Reform Efforts

During his visit, Tokayev briefed the American business community on the large-scale political and economic reforms currently underway in Kazakhstan. He emphasized that these important changes have a significant impact on the financial and economic sectors, implying "expanded market access and ensured transparency."

Kazakhstan's reform measures appear to be yielding results. Kazakhstan's IT exports are projected to reach $500 million in 2023, with plans to increase them to over $1 billion by 2026.

To improve the investment climate, Kazakhstan has also established the Astana International Financial Center to create a favorable environment for foreign investors.

07 Historical Economic Relations with the United States

The United States is a key economic partner of Kazakhstan. As of January 1, 2022, there were 695 registered US-funded companies in Kazakhstan.

Of these US-funded companies, 168 are engaged in wholesale and retail, 181 in other service sectors, 83 focus on business, scientific research, and technical services, and 36 are in the manufacturing sector.

For the past five years, the United States has provided approximately $2 million annually in International Military Education and Training (IMET) funding to the five Central Asian countries to support military officers from these countries to participate in military education and training programs in the United States.

The results of Tokayev's visit to the United States are considered a successful practice of Kazakhstan's multi-faceted diplomacy.

Kazakhstan's national railway company plans to add 456 locomotives by 2029, with suppliers including domestic assemblers and global manufacturers such as Wabtec (US), Alstom (France), and CRRC (China).

These investments not only strengthen Kazakhstan's strategic position in the Eurasian rail transport network but also serve as a prime example of small and medium-sized countries seeking independent development opportunities in an era of great power competition.

Kazakhstan and the United States Sign $5.2 Billion in Agreements, Strengthening Strategic Cooperation in Multiple Areas

Kazakh President Tokayev's visit to New York resulted in the signing of 11 agreements worth $5.2 billion, reflecting Kazakhstan's multifaceted balancing strategy within complex geopolitics.

In late September 2025, Kazakh President Tokayev achieved substantial results during his working visit to New York: Kazakhstan and American companies signed 11 important agreements with a total investment of $5.2 billion. These agreements cover strategic sectors such as transportation and logistics, energy, and information technology.

This signing is a key component of Tokayev's recent series of international visits. During his recent visit to China, the two sides signed 70 agreements worth approximately $15 billion.

01 Overview of the Agreements and Key Parties

Ruslan Djerdibay, spokesperson for the Kazakh Presidential Administration, stated that the Kazakh institutions participating in the signing of the agreements include Kazakhstan Railways, the Samruk-Kazyna National Welfare Fund, Kazakhstan Oil and Gas, and Kazakhstan Telecom.

US participants include the Export-Import Bank of the United States, as well as major corporations such as ExxonMobil, Chevron, Wabtec, LanzaJet, Amazon Kuiper, IFC, and Lummus Technologies.

These agreements cover strategic sectors such as transportation, logistics, energy, and information technology, aiming to attract $5.2 billion in investment into the Kazakh economy.

02 Core Transactions: Railway and Locomotive Cooperation

Most notable is the significant cooperation with Wabtec, valued at approximately $4.2 billion. This includes the production and subsequent maintenance of 300 modern freight locomotives in Kazakhstan.

These Evolution series locomotives offer improved fuel efficiency, extended maintenance intervals, and are designed to withstand Kazakhstan's complex terrain and harsh climate.

Since establishing its locomotive assembly plant in Astana in 2009, Wabtec has invested over $230 million, achieving a 45% local production rate. To date, the plant has delivered over 600 locomotives to Kazakhstan Railways and the export market.

03 Energy and Mineral Cooperation

The energy sector is a key component of Kazakhstan-US cooperation. American energy giants such as Chevron and ExxonMobil participated in the signed agreement.

American companies have consistently shown strong interest in Kazakhstan's mineral resources. Data shows that since the beginning of 2005, foreign direct investment from the United States has reached $48.8 billion, accounting for 13.5% of total investment in Kazakhstan.

The United States is one of the three largest investors in Kazakhstan's economy, and American investors are particularly interested in the mining industry. Approximately 30% of direct foreign investment in Kazakhstan's mining industry comes from the United States.

04 Digital Economy and Technological Cooperation

Information technology is another key focus of this cooperation agreement. Kazakhstan Telecom has reached cooperation agreements with tech giants such as Amazon.

This is not the first time Kazakhstan has collaborated with American tech companies. In September 2023, Tokayev met with Amazon Vice President Susan Poynter to discuss potential cooperation in cloud technology and data center development.

Mastercard previously selected Almaty as its regional hub for the CIS, Central and Eastern Europe, to develop its consulting business.

05 Geopolitical Context and Balancing Strategy

Located between China and Russia, Kazakhstan has long pursued a multi-faceted foreign policy. Tokayev's visit to New York and the results achieved represent a continuation and deepening of this policy.

The United States has significantly increased its attention and investment in Central Asia in recent years. In September 2023, US President Biden participated in the first C5+1 summit with the five Central Asian countries, discussing economic ties, supply chains, and the trans-Caspian "Middle Corridor" trade route.

The United States also proposed launching a C5+1 Critical Minerals Dialogue to develop the critical mineral sectors in Central Asian countries and ensure the security of key resources.

06 Investment Environment and Reform Efforts

During his visit, Tokayev briefed the American business community on the large-scale political and economic reforms currently underway in Kazakhstan. He emphasized that these important changes have a significant impact on the financial and economic sectors, implying "expanded market access and ensured transparency."

Kazakhstan's reform measures appear to be yielding results. Kazakhstan's IT exports are projected to reach $500 million in 2023, with plans to increase them to over $1 billion by 2026.

To improve the investment climate, Kazakhstan has also established the Astana International Financial Center to create a favorable environment for foreign investors.

07 Historical Economic Relations with the United States

The United States is a key economic partner of Kazakhstan. As of January 1, 2022, there were 695 registered US-funded companies in Kazakhstan.

Of these US-funded companies, 168 are engaged in wholesale and retail, 181 in other service sectors, 83 focus on business, scientific research, and technical services, and 36 are in the manufacturing sector.

For the past five years, the United States has provided approximately $2 million annually in International Military Education and Training (IMET) funding to the five Central Asian countries to support military officers from these countries to participate in military education and training programs in the United States.

The results of Tokayev's visit to the United States are considered a successful practice of Kazakhstan's multi-faceted diplomacy.

Kazakhstan's national railway company plans to add 456 locomotives by 2029, with suppliers including domestic assemblers and global manufacturers such as Wabtec (US), Alstom (France), and CRRC (China).

These investments not only strengthen Kazakhstan's strategic position in the Eurasian rail transport network but also serve as a prime example of small and medium-sized countries seeking independent development opportunities in an era of great power competition.