Scale of Kazakhstan-Russia Joint Projects to Expand to 30 Billion USD: Employment and Innovation as Dual Drivers
Kazakh International News Agency - Kazakhstan and Russia are working together to increase the total value of joint projects to 30 billion USD. So far, 30 projects have been implemented with a total investment of 4.4 billion USD, creating more than 12,000 new jobs. In the future, 29 new projects will be launched with an investment of 30.8 billion USD, expected to create over 23,000 additional employment opportunities. The news was released by the Information Office of the Ministry of Trade and Integration of Kazakhstan.
Minister of Trade and Integration Arman Shakaliev emphasized at the plenary session of the 21st Kazakhstan-Russia Interregional Cooperation Forum "Workers' Professions - Engine of Economic Growth" that expanding industrial cooperation and strengthening trade and economic ties is of strategic importance, aiming to quickly raise bilateral trade to 30 billion USD.
The forum was attended by the heads of state of both countries, Kassym-Jomart Tokayev and Vladimir Putin. Over the past two decades, this platform has become a unique strategic dialogue bridge for deepening cooperation in all areas.
"Each forum opens up new opportunities for regions, enterprises, and educational institutions, strengthens civil ties, and lays the foundation for sustainable development. We aim to further expand interactions, especially in the field of trade and economy," the minister said.
Shakaliev revealed that currently, the two countries are advancing 30 joint projects with a total investment of 4.4 billion USD, which have already created more than 12,000 jobs. The 29 new projects will invest 30.8 billion USD and create more than 23,000 additional jobs.
These initiatives cover key industries such as energy, machinery manufacturing, metallurgy, chemicals, and agriculture, nurturing new capability centers and ensuring continuous industrial growth.
"Behind each project are living individuals and professional skills. Labor is the cornerstone, source of creativity, and core social value of our industrial and economic development," the minister said.
The forum particularly focused on human capital development. Kazakhstan has designated 2025 as the "Year of Workers' Professions," comprehensively upgrading the talent training system, enhancing the prestige of professions, and deepening cooperation with employers.
The minister recalled that the concept for labor market development from 2024 to 2030 is being steadily implemented, with the core goal of continuously improving the quality and skills of the workforce.
By 2030, Kazakhstan plans to create at least 3.8 million high-quality jobs, accounting for 45% of the total employed population.
Kazakhstan-Russia cooperation in education and talent development remains a priority. Bilingual teaching, the construction of capability centers, and academic mobility are flourishing. Currently, more than 55,000 Kazakh students are studying in Russian universities, and over 2,000 Russian citizens are studying in Kazakhstan. This interaction is shaping a shared educational space, cultivating talents urgently needed by the market.
The introduction of artificial intelligence has attracted much attention. Kazakhstan has built the first supercomputing cluster in Central Asia and is developing industry accelerators and AI pilot platforms. At the same time, AI Qyzmet for civil servants, AI Sana for students, and AI Olymp for primary and secondary school students have been launched.
"We are not only developing technology but also creating an ecosystem for its widespread application," said Shakaliev.
The minister summarized that the government will continue to ensure dignified employment and competitiveness of Kazakh workers in domestic and international markets.
Original: www.toutiao.com/article/1848585950027210/
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