ASTANA – Kazakhstan and Laos are seeking to expand bilateral trade by using Kazakhstan’s position as a trade and logistics bridge to connect Lao products with Central Asian and wider Eurasian markets, while opening greater access for Kazakh goods to Southeast Asia.
Prime Minister Olzhas Bektenov and President Thongloun Sisoulith with members of the Kazakh and Lao delegations during their meeting in Astana on Sept. 3. Photo credit: Prime Minister’s press service.
Kazakh Prime Minister Olzhas Bektenov and Lao President Thongloun Sisoulith, who arrived in Kazakhstan for his first official visit on Sept. 3, discussed implementing agreements reached between the two countries’ Presidents and identified agriculture, transport, logistics and digitalization as key areas for closer economic ties.
Agriculture offers immediate trade potential
Agriculture emerged as one of the main areas with potential for expanding trade. Kazakhstan, a major exporter of wheat and flour with extensive arable land and pasture resources, is ready to increase supplies of grain, oilseeds, feed and meat products to Laos, reported the Prime Minister’s press service.
The Lao side expressed interest in Kazakh agricultural products, while Kazakhstan is looking to increase imports from Laos, including coffee, rubber and other goods.
The officials also discussed joint processing and storage of agricultural products and the introduction of modern irrigation technologies, which could broaden cooperation beyond the exchange of finished goods.
Transport links could connect two regions
Transport and logistics offer a longer-term opportunity to link Central Asia with Southeast Asia.
Kazakhstan is developing major transcontinental corridors connecting China and Europe and has extensive logistics infrastructure that could facilitate Lao exports to Central Asian and European markets. At the same time, Laos could provide Kazakhstan with an additional gateway to Southeast Asian markets.
Both countries see scope for using existing transport infrastructure to strengthen these links. Kazakhstan’s logistics network includes facilities connected to major international routes, while Laos’ position and transport links with China offer access to Southeast Asian markets.
This could give both landlocked countries an opportunity to turn geography into a practical economic advantage.
Digitalization adds a new dimension
Digital development was another area highlighted during the visit. Kazakhstan and Laos exchanged a Memorandum of Cooperation on information and communication technologies and e-government services.
The document is intended to support cooperation in digital development and create opportunities for exchanges of experience and joint initiatives.
President Sisoulith emphasized the importance of strengthening friendly relations with Kazakhstan and implementing joint projects.
Cooperation extends beyond trade
The two countries also signed intergovernmental documents covering political consultations, law enforcement, digital development and cooperation between their capitals.
As part of the visit, Kazakhstan’s Prosecutor General Berik Assylov and Prosecutor General of the Supreme People’s Prosecutor’s Office of Laos Livong Laoly signed a memorandum on cooperation in asset recovery. The document provides a framework for exchanging information and experience and for mutual assistance in identifying, tracing and returning illegally transferred assets.
From diplomatic ties to economic links
The talks also underscored the broader regional dimension of the relationship. Kazakhstan views Laos as an important partner in Southeast Asia, while Laos can benefit from stronger connections with Central Asian and Eurasian markets.
The countries established diplomatic relations in 1997, with 2027 marking their 30th anniversary. Sisoulith’s visit is the first official visit by a Lao President to Kazakhstan.
The two officials also exchanged intergovernmental documents covering political consultations, law enforcement, digital development and cooperation between their capitals.
For Kazakhstan, closer ties with Laos could open another channel toward Southeast Asian markets. For Laos, stronger links with Kazakhstan offer access to a broader Eurasian economic space, making trade and transport the most immediate areas to watch as the agreements reached during the visit move toward implementation.
