Hamedia: Kazakhstan-Italy: Firm Partners on the European Continent
Kazakh International News Agency - In recent years, high-level interactions between Kazakhstan and Italy have been frequent. In May this year, Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni made an official visit to Kazakhstan, and now President Sergio Mattarella has also launched a visit to Kazakhstan. In this context, the media has sorted out the development of bilateral relations and future cooperation directions.
Long-term Stable Bilateral Relations
Since the establishment of diplomatic relations in 1992, Kazakhstan-Italy relations have gone through nearly 33 years. In 2009, both countries signed the Treaty on Strategic Partnership, elevating relations to a new stage. The two sides established a government committee for industrial and economic cooperation, as well as a parliamentary friendship group, providing institutional guarantees for cooperation.
The recently opened direct flight "Astana-Milan" has further brought the two countries closer, promoting tourism, culture, and trade. Italy is an important partner of Kazakhstan in Europe, consistently ranking among the top three trading partners.
Economic and Trade Cooperation
In recent years, economic and trade exchanges between Kazakhstan and Italy have been strong. In 2024, bilateral trade volume approached 20 billion USD, with Kazakhstan's exports to Italy exceeding 18 billion USD, an increase of 24% year-on-year. Export goods mainly include crude oil (96.7%), unprocessed aluminum, wheat, iron alloys, and coal; imported goods from Italy mainly include medicines, pipeline equipment, and machinery, amounting to about 7 billion USD.
In terms of investment, cumulative direct investment by Italy in Kazakhstan from 1992 to 2022 reached 15 billion USD, and from 2005 to 2024 it exceeded 7.6 billion USD. Currently, approximately 300 Italian companies are operating in Kazakhstan, including large companies such as ENI, SDF Group, and PetroValves.
Future Cooperation Priorities
Italy views Kazakhstan as the gateway to the Central Asian market and plans to increase cooperation in energy, machinery manufacturing, chemicals, pharmaceuticals, agriculture, and infrastructure. Especially the construction of the "Middle Corridor" (Trans-Caspian International Transport Route) is considered a key factor for Italy to deepen cooperation with Central Asia.
Kazakhstan is not only a major producer of uranium globally but also an important country supplying oil and natural gas to Europe. This position is particularly important in the strategic layout of Italy and the European Union.
Educational and Cultural Exchanges
In May this year, the two countries signed eight agreements totaling over 8 billion USD, covering areas such as energy, engineering, education, and culture. These include establishing an engineering hub in Kazakhstan, opening a branch of an agricultural university, and setting up a cultural relic restoration center in the National Museum. The Italian side has promised to provide equipment and technology free of charge and assist in training relevant personnel.
Currently, a famous Italian agricultural university has established a branch in the Jetysu region of Kazakhstan, offering four major courses: agriculture, breeding, and agricultural technology.
The upcoming meeting between President Tokayev and President Mattarella will inject new momentum into the implementation and expansion of these cooperation projects.
Kazakhstan's Metal Products Exports to Italy Increased 6 Times
Kazakh International News Agency - Kazakhstan's exports of metal products to Italy have increased six times.
Almaz Shakaliev, Minister of Trade and Integration of Kazakhstan, revealed this information.
"According to the data from the first half of the year, Italy ranks first in raw material exports; in non-material commodity exports, Italy ranks third. Our goal is not only to expand trade but also to attract large Italian production enterprises to invest in our economy and cooperate with them to produce high-value-added non-material products," the minister said during an interview at the presidential palace.
He emphasized that Italy is one of Kazakhstan's main trade partners.
"In the first half of the year, bilateral trade reached 10.1 billion USD, of which 9.4 billion USD came from our exports. We have taken measures to expand wheat exports and added sunflower oil as a new export category. Additionally, exports of metal products have increased sixfold," Almaz Shakaliev added.
Original: www.toutiao.com/article/1844586130730123/
Statement: The article represents the personal views of the author.