A roundtable titled “Kazakhstan – Hungary: New Trends of Trade and Investment Cooperation” was held. The event was organized by the Embassy of Kazakhstan in Hungary in collaboration with Kazakh Invest, supported by HEPA (Hungarian Export Promotion Agency) and the Hungarian Chamber of Commerce and Industry,El.kz cites MFA.
More than 70 participants, including government officials, leading companies, and experts from Kazakhstan and Hungary, attended to discuss the prospects for bilateral cooperation.
The roundtable became a logical continuation of the positive momentum following the state visit of the President of the Republic of Kazakhstan, Kassym-Jomart Tokayev, to Hungary on November 19-20, 2024. This visit, which included a meeting between the Head of State and leaders of Hungary’s top companies, was a significant milestone in strengthening Kazakh-Hungarian relations.
“Our countries are bound by strong economic and cultural ties. Today’s event is a key step toward strengthening mutual cooperation, creating new investment projects, and building a strategic partnership”, said Abzal Saparbekuly, Ambassador of Kazakhstan to Hungary.
During the roundtable, key topics were discussed, including the development of infrastructure and logistics, joint projects in the agro-industrial complex, nuclear energy, digital transformation, and opportunities in education.
Hungarian companies actively cooperating with Kazakhstan, such as MOL Group, UBM Group, L.A.C. Holding, Elitmag, Alfaseed, MVM Group, and I-Cell, were highlighted. These companies are already implementing successful projects in energy, logistics, agriculture, and digital technologies.
“Kazakhstan has become one of our most active and valuable partners in Central Asia. The foundation of our successful cooperation lies in two key factors: mutual respect for the past and a shared aspiration for the future. Kazakhstan is making impressive progress in innovation, sustainable development, and financial technologies, creating a strong basis for our continued partnership”, emphasized Dr. Csaba Kandrács, Deputy Governor of the Hungarian National Bank.
“Collaboration with Kazakhstan opens unique opportunities for Hungarian entrepreneurs. We are proud to contribute to the development of joint projects and the strengthening of economic ties between our countries”, said Gábor Jenei, CEO of HEPA.
“The projects we are implementing jointly with Kazakhstan in logistics and infrastructure not only strengthen trade connections but also contribute to the development of new transport routes between our countries”, noted László Horváth, President of L.A.C. Holding.
Many companies expressed their willingness to expand their presence in Kazakhstan and plan to introduce innovative technologies into joint projects.
“Kazakhstan is a strategic partner in the agro-industrial sector. The country’s opportunities, resources, and government support make Kazakhstan a unique destination for investments”, said Péter Horváth, CEO of UBM Group.
“The agro-industrial sector is not just business but the key to food security. Kazakhstan has already established itself as an agricultural hub in Central Asia, and in the next 5-7 years, we will witness this position strengthening even further”, noted András Sándorfy, Managing Director of Elitmag.
The event was moderated by Mátyás Kohán, a foreign policy observer for the Hungarian weekly Mandiner. His professionalism ensured a well-structured discussion with a focus on the key aspects of cooperation. Additionally, László Vasa, an expert from the Hungarian Institute of International Affairs, contributed to the discussion by offering an analytical perspective on the prospects for bilateral partnership.
This roundtable confirmed the mutual interest of Kazakhstan and Hungary in deepening their partnership, opening new horizons for economic cooperation.