Hanane Djoua
Doha
Ambassador of Kazakhstan to Qatar HE Arman Issagaliyev has outlined his country’s ambitious vision for economic growth, innovation, and global diplomacy, emphasising Kazakhstan’s alignment with global trends and its strategic partnership with Qatar.
Addressing a press conference, Ambassador Issagaliyev referred to the visionary annual address by Kazakhstan’s president titled “Just Kazakhstan: Law and Order, Economic Growth, Social Optimism,” which advocates for stronger ties between universities and industries to synchronise innovation with national priorities.
“This will spur sector-specific innovations and unlock the potential of applied science,” the envoy noted, adding that Kazakhstan admires Qatar’s achievements under its National Vision 2030, particularly in innovation and sustainable growth.
He highlighted Qatar’s potential to become a global innovation hub, crediting its advancements in IT, telecommunications, and artificial intelligence, adding that Kazakhstan, with its own burgeoning unicorn IT companies, sees significant opportunities for collaboration in these sectors.
Ambassador Issagaliyev also underscored the importance of the Doha Forum, praising its role as a platform for addressing global challenges.
“The theme of this year’s edition, ‘The Innovation Imperative’, is well-timed as the world seeks new approaches to complex global issues,” he said, expressing optimism about Qatar’s diplomatic prominence.
The envoy introduced Kazakhstan’s “Born Bold” international campaign, which showcases the country’s commitment to economic diversification and leadership in emerging industries like artificial intelligence, renewable energy, and finance.
Kazakhstan’s political reforms, among the most transformative in its history, have redefined its governance model.
He added that recent constitutional changes and electoral reforms have enhanced democracy, expanded political participation, and upheld human rights.
“We aim to build a modern, inclusive society where no one is left behind,” he stated, emphasising the government’s collaboration with civil society and international organisations.
On the diplomatic front, Issagaliyev said Kazakhstan is leveraging its strategic position to facilitate global dialogue and peacebuilding, adding that from its contributions to the Iran nuclear deal to hosting peace talks on the Syrian conflict, the country has proven itself a reliable partner for international stability.
As Central Asia’s largest economy, Kazakhstan is targeting ambitious economic growth, aiming to double its GDP by 2029 through innovation and diversification, he said.
Ambassador Issagaliyev noted that Kazakhstan remains a top destination for foreign direct investment (FDI), with $23.4 billion in FDI recorded in 2023 and a projection to attract $150 billion by 2029.
“The Astana International Financial Center (AIFC) plays a key role, offering an English common law-based system that has attracted over 3,000 companies from 82 countries. In 2023, trading volume on its exchange surged by 236 percent, reflecting growing investor confidence,” he added.
The envoy pointed out that Kazakhstan is also a critical player in the global energy transition. As the world’s leading uranium exporter and a rising star in renewable energy, the country is poised to become a green powerhouse.
Positioned at the crossroads of Asia and Europe, Kazakhstan is a vital transit hub. Its strategic investments in transport infrastructure, including the Trans-Caspian International Transport Route (TITR), have boosted trade and logistics.
The ambassador highlighted plans to increase transit traffic volume to 35 million tonnes by 2029, with European partners pledging significant investments in connectivity.
“Kazakhstan is also taking bold steps in climate action, joining the Just Energy Transition Partnership and positioning itself as a leader in renewable energy. A regional climate summit is planned for 2026, further cementing its commitment to sustainability,” he added.
Ambassador Issagaliyev emphasised Kazakhstan’s rich cultural diversity and commitment to unity.
He highlighted the country’s unique civic identity, which embraces ethnic diversity while fostering a shared national vision.
“We are different, but we are equal. Unity in diversity is the foundation of our civil society,” he remarked.
He stressed that Kazakhstan’s strategic partnership with Qatar, underpinned by shared goals in innovation, sustainability, and diplomacy, continues to grow, expressing confidence that the forthcoming high-level meetings and agreements during President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev’s visit to Qatar will further strengthen bilateral ties, marking a new chapter in Kazakhstan-Qatar relations.
