Kazakhstan's Tokayev visits US to advance economic agenda

President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev of Kazakhstan visited the United States, providing an opportunity for targeted negotiations with major international corporations and financial institutions. These discussions centred on long-term investment, production localisation, and Kazakhstan's integration into global value chains.

Agricultural sector. Kazakhstan's Ministry of Agriculture signed an investment agreement worth approximately $180 million with Mars, Inc. Mars plans to establish a pet food production facility in Alatau City. This project will concentrate on the deep processing of agricultural products and the manufacture of high-value-added goods.

Healthcare sector. Discussions with Ashmore Group centred on establishing an international clinic in partnership with Ashmore Healthcare International and Samruk-Kazyna, with Mount Sinai Health System serving as the operator.

This initiative aligns with Kazakhstan's strategy to develop medical infrastructure and medical tourism, as well as its Open Investment Partnership Programme targeting high-tech economic sectors.

Aviation sector. Aviation constituted another significant component of the visit. During meetings with Boeing executives, President Tokayev confirmed the interest of Kazakhstani airlines – including Air Astana, SCAT Airlines, and VietJet Air Kazakhstan – in expanding cooperation. Air Astana anticipates taking delivery of Boeing 787 Dreamliners in the second half of 2026, potentially paving the way for direct flights between Kazakhstan and the United States. Meanwhile, SCAT is exploring collaboration with an American company to acquire additional aircraft and establish its first maintenance and repair centre at Shymkent Airport.

The visit concluded with talks involving the US International Development Finance Corporation (DFC). DFC Chief Executive Ben Black stated that Washington views Kazakhstan as a key partner across Eurasia. Discussions centred on projects in the mining sector and the development of transport infrastructure critical to regional and cross-regional trade.