ASTANA – President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev received UK Minister of State for Trade Lord Anas Sarwar on Oct. 7 to discuss strengthening bilateral trade and investment ties and expanding cooperation in energy, transport, digitalization and artificial intelligence.
President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev meets with UK Minister of State for Trade Lord Anas Sarwar. Photo credit: Akorda
Strong trade and investment ties
Tokayev highlighted the importance Kazakhstan attaches to developing relations with the United Kingdom, noting constructive political dialogue and growing contacts between the two countries, Akorda reported.
“Kazakhstan and the United Kingdom are connected by constructive political dialogue and active contacts at various levels. I am confident that we have significant potential to expand cooperation,” Tokayev said.
The UK remains one of Kazakhstan’s key trade and investment partners. Bilateral trade increased by 83% in 2025 to more than $1.6 billion, while more than 500 British companies currently operate in Kazakhstan.
President Tokayev also underscored the importance of developing human capital alongside trade and investment, calling on Kazakhstan’s younger generation to broaden their international outlook and strengthen foreign-language skills, notably English.
Tokayev conveyed his warm wishes to UK Prime Minister Andy Burnham and invited him to visit Kazakhstan.
Lord Sarwar welcomed the continued development of the strategic partnership and thanked President Tokayev for supporting British business projects and efforts to maintain a favorable investment climate.
“We closely follow Kazakhstan’s dynamic development and highly value the closeness of our approaches to key topics on the international agenda. We are united by our commitment to open and trusted partnership, innovation, mutual confidence and free trade,” Lord Sarwar said.
Cooperation in emerging and priority sectors
Tokayev and Sarwar also discussed prospects for expanding cooperation in energy, transport and logistics, digitalization and artificial intelligence, while also highlighting the importance of strengthening humanitarian ties, academic exchanges and joint education initiatives.
The discussions continued during a separate meeting between Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of National Economy Serik Zhumangarin and Lord Sarwar, the Prime Minister’s press service reported.
Zhumangarin described the UK as an important and reliable strategic partner, noting that the British delegation’s visit provides fresh momentum for bilateral relations and creates opportunities to translate existing agreements into concrete projects.
Lord Sarwar reaffirmed the UK’s readiness to deepen cooperation with Kazakhstan, and both officials expressed commitment to open, constructive dialogue and to advancing priority areas of partnership.
