Kazakhstan and France Strengthen Investment Cooperation
The Kazakhstan-France Business Forum took place in Astana with the participation of President of Kazakhstan Kassym-Jomart Tokayev and President of France Emmanuel Macron. The event, organized by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Kazakhstan in collaboration with JSC "NC" KAZAKH INVEST" and French partners, was dedicated to the development of Kazakh-French economic relations.
Approximately 500 delegates, representatives of governmental bodies and business circles from Kazakhstan and France, including leaders of leading French companies such as "Alstom," "Total Energies," "PCM," "Danone," "Saint Gobain," "Lactalis," "Air Liquide," Airbus, Orano, and others, participated in the forum. The French business delegation comprised over 200 participants.
Addressing the opening of the event, the Heads of States called on entrepreneurs from both countries to expand the scope of cooperation and strengthen investment ties by actively participating in the implementation of new joint projects.
During the forum, from the Kazakh side, Chairman of the Board of JSC "Samruk-Kazyna" Nurlan Zhakupov, Minister of Industry and Infrastructure Development Kanat Sharlapaev, Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Kazakhstan Nazira Nurbayeva, Chairman of the Board of JSC "NC "Kazakhstan Temir Zholy" Nurlan Sauranbayev, and Managing Director of MFCA Renat Bekturov spoke.
From the French side, Minister in charge of Foreign trade, Attractiveness and French people abroad of the French Republic Olivier Becht, Minister Delegate in charge of Industry of the French Republic Roland Lescure, CEO of the "EDF" Luc Remont, CEO of «Assystems» Dominique Louis, and others spoke.
The speakers noted that Kazakh-French relations are entering a new phase. Against the backdrop of the geopolitical situation in the world, French businesspersons consider the development of relations in priority sectors of the economy such as healthcare, agro-industrial complex, transportation, logistics, energy, mining and metallurgical complex, and others to be important. French speakers particularly emphasized that Kazakhstan has the potential not only to contribute to achieving energy and food security in the region but also for Europe.
During the event, issues of Kazakhstan's investment attractiveness and creating conditions for effective economic activities of French investors in the country were discussed. Representatives of French companies present in Kazakhstan shared their successful experience in investing in the Kazakh economy.
For instance, President of the company "Alstom" in the regions of Africa, the Middle East, and Central Asia, Andrew Deleone, noted that the staff of the Kazakh branch includes more than 1000 employees, and the company's capacities include seven production sites, including two factories. Additionally, the company plans to expand its investment activities in the country. Executive Vice-President of Total Energies Fabienne Demol spoke about the ongoing project to build a 1 GW wind power plant in the Zhambyl region. Director for the Middle East, Turkey, CIS, and Africa at Societe Generale, Emeryk Arno, emphasized that Kazakhstan is an ideal location for expanding the bank's operations in the region.
On the sidelines of the forum, bilateral meetings were held for a more detailed discussion of opportunities for implementing joint projects. For example, Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Nazira Nurbayeva met with General Director for the CIS and Poland at Legrand, Pascal Deconse. During the meeting, the parties discussed the possibilities of localizing production in Kazakhstan. The French company, with a turnover exceeding 6 billion euros, is interested in the production of electrical products.
As part of the visit, French and Kazakh companies signed 17 commercial agreements on joint projects totaling over $1.4 billion. The signed agreements involve the creation of joint projects in the field of green energy, agro-industrial complex, healthcare, and others.
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France is one of the most important strategic partners of Kazakhstan in the European Union. Since 2005, France has invested over $18.6 billion in Kazakhstan.
French investments in the economy of the Republic of Kazakhstan are primarily concentrated in the energy and mining sectors. However, French companies are also well represented in the petrochemical, transport, engineering, aviation, construction industries, as well as in the agro-industrial sector, healthcare, and services sector.
Currently, the list of Kazakh-French investment projects consists of 33 projects totaling $4.9 billion. Major companies such as "Alstom," "Total Eren," "PCM," "Danone," "Saint Gobain," "Lactalis," "Air Liquide," and others are already operating in the Kazakh market.
