Opening of the Belgian Consulate and BeNeLux Chamber Office in Aktau

On 17 April 2025, Aktau hosted the official opening ceremony of the Honorary Consulate of the Kingdom of Belgium and an office of the BeNeLux Chamber of Commerce. This important event is intended to strengthen trade, economic, investment and diplomatic ties between the Kingdom of Belgium and the Republic of Kazakhstan.

In his remarks, the Ambassador of the Kingdom of Belgium to the Republic of Kazakhstan, Henri Vantieghem, stressed the importance of further developing the Trans-Caspian International Transport Route. As is well known, the Belgian company Jan De Nul, a world leader in marine construction, last year completed dredging works on the Caspian seabed at Kuryk Port, which is expected to increase cargo traffic along the Trans-Caspian international transport route.

In his remarks, Deputy Akim of Mangystau Region Abbat Urisbayev warmly welcomed the opening of the Belgian consulate — the first consulate of a European Union member state in the region — and noted the strong investment potential of the BeNeLux region, which is the number one investor in Kazakhstan, calling on BeNeLux Chamber members to expand their economic presence in the region.

Honorary Consul Murtaza Arifov, appointed to represent the interests of the Kingdom of Belgium, was formally introduced to the official, diplomatic and business circles of Mangystau Region. Mr Arifov, who is also the founder of ARTEX Holding, confirmed his commitment to continuing the development of investment projects in Mangystau Region in sectors that are priorities for the region — energy and alternative energy sources, water, healthcare, agriculture, as well as educational and social projects. Given the broad jurisdiction of the new Honorary Consulate of the Kingdom of Belgium, Mr Arifov also plans to visit Atyrau, Aktobe and West Kazakhstan regions to discuss new investment and infrastructure projects.

Denis Van den Weghe, President of the BeNeLux Chamber of Commerce in Kazakhstan, noted that the Chamber pays particular attention to attracting foreign direct investment and supporting Kazakh exports and the entry of Kazakh companies into the European Union market.

The opening of the Honorary Consulate and a BeNeLux Chamber of Commerce branch in Aktau will give fresh impetus to building direct ties between the business communities of the two countries and will open up further opportunities for joint investment projects and trade and economic cooperation as a whole.