OMM Redaksiyası
Kazakhstan and South Korea have agreed to elevate their relations to the level of a comprehensive strategic partnership.
Kazakh President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev made the announcement during a meeting with South Korean President Lee Jae-myung in Seoul on Sept. 15. The new partnership is expected to focus on expanding trade, as well as increasing joint production and investment.
Projects worth nearly $19 billion under discussion
A number of agreements covering gas processing, oil and gas, critical minerals and infrastructure were signed at the Kazakhstan-South Korea business roundtable in Seoul.
The two countries are currently implementing 51 joint projects worth more than $4 billion in total. Automotive production, machine building and metallurgy are among the main areas of cooperation.
Kazakhstan produced approximately 170,000 vehicles last year. Astana plans to increase domestic component production and gradually transition to a fully integrated manufacturing cycle.
“Hanwha Group,” which has operated in Kazakhstan for nearly 30 years, is active in artificial intelligence, digital infrastructure, energy and high-tech manufacturing. Tokayev invited the company to consider new projects capable of serving both the domestic and regional markets.
South Korean participation in the “Alatau City” project
The talks also focused on the “Alatau City” urban development project planned for the Almaty region. Kazakhstan wants to attract South Korean companies to the initiative.
Tokayev said foreign investors would be provided with legal protection: “Our plans are very ambitious. In particular, we discussed in detail the future development of the ‘Alatau City’ project. This is an important project to which we attach great significance. Provisions concerning the city’s status have been incorporated into the Constitution. South Korean companies will be provided with all legal guarantees.”
Seoul views Kazakhstan as an economic security partner
South Korean President Lee Jae-myung described Kazakhstan as an important partner for his country’s economic security. He highlighted Kazakhstan’s energy and natural resources, as well as its potential in high technology.
“The country is not only rich in energy and natural resources, but also has significant potential in promising high-tech sectors. We are ready to contribute to the modernization of Kazakhstan’s industry through our advanced industrial and digital technologies,” Lee Jae-myung said.
The two governments aim to double bilateral trade. More than 1,000 companies with South Korean capital are already operating in Kazakhstan. The cooperation program planned through 2030 is expected to create a long-term framework for new projects.
The planned expansion reflects the broader role of Kazakhstan as a major Central Asian economy and a supplier of energy and critical raw materials, while South Korea brings advanced industrial, digital and manufacturing capabilities to the partnership.
