Netherlands-Kazakhstan Business Council Meeting: Strengthening Strategic Collaboration in Transport and Logistics

Astana, Kazakhstan – On October 9, 2024, the BeNeLux Chamber of Commerce and the Chamber of International Commerce of Kazakhstan co-hosted the Netherlands-Kazakhstan Business Council Meeting. Held at the International Exhibition Center “Expo”, the meeting was part of the Dutch Trade Mission, aligned with the TransLogistica International Exhibition, focusing on strengthening transport, logistics and port infrastructure to enhance economic ties between the two nations. The event convened Dutch and Kazakh business leaders, government officials, industry experts and ports managers to discuss key opportunities for collaboration.

Denis Van den Weghe, President of the BeNeLux Chamber of Commerce in Kazakhstan, highlighted the pivotal role of the Business Council in fostering collaboration and creating new business opportunities. He underscored the strategic importance of the Trans-Caspian Corridor and the value of Dutch expertise in maritime and port development, which aligns with Kazakhstan’s ambitions to become a major logistics hub in Eurasia.

Assan Zhakishev, Acting Chairman of the Chamber of International Commerce of Kazakhstan, emphasized the Chamber’s dedication to bolstering international cooperation by supporting investors, promoting Kazakhstani products globally, and facilitating B2B and B2G meetings in partnership with the BeNeLux Chamber of Commerce.

Henk Nieboer, head of the Dutch trade mission, shared his extensive experience working with Kazakhstan since the early 2000s. He highlighted the importance of deepening ties, particularly in transport and logistics, areas in which Dutch companies have strong expertise.

Delegates from the Dutch trade mission, including Witteveen+Bos, a member of the BeNeLux Chamber of Commerce, actively engaged in discussions, presenting sustainable solutions for port development and infrastructure enhancement along the Middle Corridor. They also addressed the challenges posed by fluctuating Caspian Sea levels and explored new investment opportunities in Kazakhstan’s logistics sector.

The meeting concluded with the signing of the Regulations of the Netherlands-Kazakhstan Business Council, formalizing collaboration and establishing a framework for continuous dialogue.

Following the Business Council meeting, Dutch companies participated in B2B meetings with potential Kazakh counterparts to explore further collaboration and business opportunities.

The Netherlands remains one of Kazakhstan’s largest foreign investors, with nearly $112 billion in investments from 2005 to 2023. In 2023 alone, the gross inflow of Dutch FDI to Kazakhstan reached $6 billion, while bilateral trade amounted to $4.4 billion, underscoring the growing significance of the partnership. Cooperation in transport and logistics continues to expand, driven by current geopolitical situation, shared ambitions and mutual benefits.