Tokayev discusses new investment projects with international business leaders

Tengrinews.kz – President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev held a series of meetings with the heads of major international companies and financial institutions on the sidelines of the 38th plenary session of the Foreign Investors' Council in Astana, according to Akorda.

VEON plans $1 billion investment

During a meeting with VEON Group CEO Kaan Terzioglu, the parties discussed the future of Kazakhstan's telecommunications sector amid the country's digital transformation and the adoption of artificial intelligence technologies.

Tokayev praised VEON's long-standing presence in Kazakhstan and its significant contribution to the country's telecommunications and digital ecosystem.

"The President emphasized that, at this new stage of Kazakhstan's digital transformation, artificial intelligence is becoming a key driver of economic growth. In this context, Kassym-Jomart Tokayev called on VEON's management to actively cooperate in such key areas as the construction of modern computing infrastructure and the development of cloud services," Akorda said.

Terzioglu, in turn, shared the company's plans to introduce advanced telecommunications technologies and expand access to digital services.

"Over the next three years, VEON intends to double the scale of its business and invest an additional $1 billion in Kazakhstan's economy. The company has expressed strong interest in participating in the implementation of the Digital Kazakhstan concept. In addition, Beeline Kazakhstan is considering the construction of a data center in Astana," Akorda said.

Welcoming the company's plans, Tokayev reaffirmed Kazakhstan's commitment to maintaining favorable conditions for investors and strengthening mutually beneficial partnerships.

Talks with the Islamic Development Bank

Tokayev also met with Islamic Development Bank (IsDB) President Muhammad Sulaiman Al Jasser.

The President noted that the IsDB has become a reliable partner supporting Kazakhstan's national development priorities.

To date, the IsDB Group has provided more than $4.2 billion in financing to Kazakhstan, while its current and prospective project portfolio exceeds $3 billion.

"In this context, the Head of State expressed gratitude to the leadership of the financial institution for supporting strategically important projects in water infrastructure, transport connectivity, and industrial development.

In particular, in recent years the IsDB approved the largest financing package in its history, including a $1.15 billion Water Resources Development Program and a $1.3 billion Framework Agreement to support the development of Kazakhstan's special economic zones and industrial parks," Akorda said.

The meeting also focused on cooperation under the new Partnership Strategy for 2027–2032.

Tokayev reaffirmed Kazakhstan's commitment to building a long-term institutional partnership with the IsDB and maintaining a favorable investment policy.

The President also supported the bank's proposal to hold the IsDB Group's annual meeting in Kazakhstan in 2028. The event is expected to bring together representatives of member states, financial institutions, and international investors.

Photo by the Akorda press service

U.S. Chamber of Commerce

Tokayev also received Khush Choksy, Senior Vice President for the Middle East, Türkiye, and Central Asia at the U.S. Chamber of Commerce.

During the meeting, the President reaffirmed Kazakhstan's readiness to strengthen constructive engagement with the administration of U.S. President Donald Trump, emphasizing the strategic nature of trade, economic, and investment ties between Kazakhstan and the United States.

Tokayev also reaffirmed Kazakhstan's commitment to maintaining a favorable investment climate for American businesses.

"The parties discussed prospects for expanding cooperation in areas including critical minerals, energy, digital infrastructure, artificial intelligence, transport connectivity, advanced technologies, agriculture, and financial services. Khush Choksy, in turn, highlighted the strong potential for further cooperation and expressed readiness to implement joint projects in a number of sectors of mutual interest," Akorda said.

Later, the President met with AD Ports Group Managing Director and Group CEO Mohamed Juma Al Shamisi.

Photo by the Akorda press service

Tokayev noted that AD Ports Group has established itself as one of the world's leading operators in maritime transport and port infrastructure development.

The parties discussed opportunities to expand the Caspian region's transport and transit potential through the development of the Middle Corridor.

The President noted that during his recent official visit to Brussels, European Union officials and representatives of the European business community expressed their readiness to increase cargo traffic along the Trans-Caspian International Transport Route, recognizing it as one of the key transport arteries connecting Asia and Europe.

The meeting also focused on joint ventures in freight transportation and the development of port infrastructure, including the construction of grain and cargo terminals.

Al Shamisi reaffirmed the company's strategic interest in long-term cooperation and strengthening its partnership in the region.

Photo by the Akorda press service

Anadolu Group

Tokayev also met with Anadolu Group Chairman Kamil Suleyman Yazici.

The parties discussed the further development of investment cooperation and the implementation of joint projects across various sectors of the economy.

The President noted that Efes Kazakhstan and Coca-Cola Almaty Bottlers, both part of Anadolu Group, have operated successfully in Kazakhstan for many years, creating jobs and making a significant contribution to investment and tax revenues.

Yazici briefed the President on the group's operations in Kazakhstan and plans for future investment projects.

Over the past 30 years, Anadolu Group has invested around $1 billion in Kazakhstan, creating more than 10,000 jobs.

The company operates five beverage production plants in the country and has begun construction of a sixth facility in the Aktobe Region with an investment of $100 million.

Tokayev stressed that Kazakhstan continues to pursue economic diversification, industrial modernization, and the development of high-value-added industries.

In this regard, the parties expressed interest in further expanding Anadolu Group's operations in Kazakhstan, including through export-oriented projects in the agro-industrial sector and other industries aimed at promoting innovation and sustainable economic growth.

Earlier, Tokayev also met with European Bank for Reconstruction and Development President Odile Renaud-Basso as part of the Foreign Investors' Council meeting held in Astana on July 2.