Kazakhstan–Belgium Business Council: the ports of Antwerp-Bruges and Aktau, critical minerals and proton therapy

On 13 October, Astana hosted the 4th session of the Kazakh-Belgian Business Council, attended by President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev, King Philippe and Queen Mathilde, the Akorda press service reports. The opening remarks at the meeting were delivered by Denis Van den Weghe, President of the Kazakhstan–Belgium Business Council and of the BeNeLux Chamber of Commerce.

Address by Denis Van den Weghe. Opening the meeting, the President of the Business Council thanked Kazakh and Belgian partners for their commitment to strengthening economic ties between the two countries. Having worked in Kazakhstan for nearly 17 years, he said, he has witnessed the country’s economy evolve, new industries emerge and new opportunities open up for international business, and particularly appreciates Kazakhstan’s ability to adapt to changing circumstances. Belgium and Kazakhstan, he noted, have different but highly complementary strengths: Belgium brings expertise in logistics, engineering, technology, chemicals, pharmaceuticals and agriculture, while Kazakhstan offers a strategic geographical position, significant resources, a dynamic business environment and access to important regional markets. The cooperation works both ways, with opportunities for Belgian companies in Kazakhstan and for Kazakh companies in Belgium. “The strongest partnerships are those in which both sides bring value and both sides benefit,” he said, calling this the principle that guides the Business Council: bringing companies together, facilitating dialogue and helping turn business opportunities into concrete projects.

The figures. According to Tokayev, Belgium is among Kazakhstan’s ten largest investors: over the past two decades Belgian companies have invested more than $15 billion in the country’s economy. More than 100 Belgian and joint ventures operate in Kazakhstan in agribusiness, healthcare and pharmaceuticals, advanced technology and energy, including Jan De Nul, Sarens and Ahlers. Bilateral trade grew by almost 10% in the first eight months of this year, and Kazakhstan is Belgium’s largest trading partner in Central Asia.

Logistics. Kazakhstan is investing in the modernisation of railways, roads, seaports and terminals along the Middle Corridor. The President said he counted on a practical partnership between the Port of Antwerp-Bruges and the Caspian ports of Aktau and Kuryk, which would open wider markets for Kazakh metal products, petrochemicals and agricultural goods.

Critical minerals and industry. Kazakhstan already produces 21 of the 34 raw materials considered critical for European industry and supplies titanium and molybdenum products to Belgium. Tokayev cited the partnership between John Cockerill and Qarmet to build galvanising and protective-coating capacity as an example of industrial cooperation. Belgian companies were invited into geological exploration, deep processing of raw materials and metals, petrochemicals, the chemical industry and polymer production.

Energy, AI, healthcare, agriculture. Other areas include renewable energy, energy efficiency, industrial decarbonisation and hydrogen production; artificial intelligence and technology (the AlemAi and Alatau City projects and Belgium’s strong position in semiconductor research); cooperation with IBA to widen access to proton therapy; agricultural processing and the efficient use of water and land. The President invited Belgian pharmaceutical companies to set up production in Kazakhstan.

King Philippe described Belgium as a gateway to the EU market and Kazakhstan as a key link across Eurasia, and called on businesses from both countries to step up cooperation in energy, critical minerals, transport and logistics, finance and tourism. The two countries are far apart, the King said, but “remarkably close” in ambition, pragmatism and determination.

Documents signed. During the meeting, Belgian and Kazakh companies and organisations signed 16 documents. Signatories included Ahlers Logistics, Borusan Makina Kazakhstan, De Smet Engineers & Contractors, Desmet, Dewulf, IBA, Proviron, Vandeputte, Linagro, Scaldis-Ruien, Bagashar Aviation, AlemAgro Holding, Olzha Agro and the Akmola Region Akimat.

Why it matters for the Benelux. In the Joint Statement adopted on 12 October, the President and the King welcomed the work of the Business Council, confirmed priority areas — critical minerals, petrochemicals, industry and engineering, transport, logistics and renewable energy — and noted the role of the Trans-Caspian route and the potential of agriculture. The sides also welcomed the entry into force of the protocol amending the agreement between Kazakhstan and the Benelux countries on visa exemption for holders of service passports.

Photo: Press Office of the President of Kazakhstan, Arman Mustafin.