photo credit: Akorda

Kazakh President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev’s trip to the United States created a platform for focused discussions with major global companies and financial institutions. The talks centered on securing long-term investment, advancing production localization, and strengthening Kazakhstan’s role within international value chains.

A major outcome of the visit was the conclusion of an investment deal worth around $180 million between Kazakhstan’s Ministry of Agriculture and Mars, Incorporated. The company intends to establish a pet food manufacturing facility in the city of Alatau, dedicated to advanced processing of agricultural raw materials and the production of high-value-added goods.

Mars CEO Poul Weihrauch emphasized that the new Kazakh plant will serve as a strategic hub for expanding the company’s operations throughout Central Asia and neighboring markets.

Healthcare cooperation constituted another significant part of the agenda. During negotiations with Ashmore Group, discussions highlighted a proposal to construct an international medical clinic in partnership with Ashmore Healthcare International and Samruk-Kazyna Invest, with the Mount Sinai Health System expected to operate the facility. The project supports Kazakhstan’s broader strategy to develop medical infrastructure, promote medical tourism, and attract investment into high-tech industries.

Aviation also featured prominently in Tokayev’s meetings. In talks with Boeing executives, the president reaffirmed the interest of Kazakh airlines—including Air Astana, SCAT Airlines, and VietJet Qazaqstan—in deepening cooperation. Air Astana anticipates receiving Boeing 787 Dreamliners in the second half of 2026, potentially enabling direct flights between Kazakhstan and the United States. SCAT is exploring the purchase of new aircraft as well as the creation of its first aircraft maintenance and repair center at Shymkent Airport, in collaboration with an American partner.

The visit concluded with negotiations with the U.S. International Development Finance Corporation (DFC). Its CEO, Ben Black, underscored that Washington views Kazakhstan as a pivotal partner in Eurasia. The discussions focused on projects in mining, as well as the development of transportation and transit infrastructure vital for both regional and interregional trade corridors.

According to UNCTAD’s World Investment Report 2025, Kazakhstan remains the leading destination for foreign direct investment in Central Asia. In 2024, the country’s inward FDI stock reached approximately $151 billion—far surpassing Turkmenistan (around $45 billion), Uzbekistan (about $17 billion), and both Kyrgyzstan and Tajikistan (roughly $4 billion each).

The negotiations in Washington demonstrate Kazakhstan’s intention to cultivate long-term institutional partnerships rather than isolated investment agreements, sending a signal of market stability and openness to global investors.

As previously covered by The Times of Central Asia, Tokayev also participated in the inaugural meeting of the Board of Peace in Washington, where Kazakhstan expressed readiness to support reconstruction efforts in Gaza and contribute to broader peace and stabilization initiatives, including potential financial assistance and future peacekeeping involvement.

Source from Tokayev’s U.S. Visit Advances Kazakhstan’s Economic Agenda - The Times Of Central Asia, author Vagit Ismailov