Kazakhstan and Belgium discuss the Trans-Caspian route and green technology

Ahead of King Philippe of Belgium's first-ever state visit to Kazakhstan, set for October 11–14, Kazakhstan's ambassador to Belgium Roman Vassilenko met with Belgium's federal minister for mobility, climate, ecological transition and sustainable development, Jean-Luc Crucke. The talks were reported by Kazakhstan's Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Kazakhstan Today writes.

The two sides focused on developing the Trans-Caspian International Transport Route and attracting Belgian technology and investment to modernise Kazakhstan's transport and energy infrastructure. They also discussed prospects for industrial and technological cooperation — deep processing of critical raw materials, technology transfer and the creation of high-value-added production together with Belgian and other European partners.

A separate block of talks covered decarbonisation, the circular economy, the sustainable use of natural resources and the rollout of green technology. Following the meeting, both sides confirmed their interest in implementing specific joint projects, though the ministry's statement did not specify which ones.

Why this matters for Chamber members. The talks took place just days before King Philippe's state visit and the 4th meeting of the Kazakhstan–Belgium Business Council, so the topics discussed are likely to feed directly into the visit's working agenda. BeNeLux companies in energy, logistics and raw-material processing would do well to look closely at these areas now — that's where the groundwork for new projects is being laid.