Economic relations between the State of Qatar and the Republic of Kazakhstan are witnessing rapid growth, coinciding with Kazakhstan’s celebration today of Republic Day, which marks the 35th anniversary of its independence.
Qatari investments in Kazakhstan increased from 13 million US dollars in 2022 to more than 1.1 billion dollars during the current year, which reflects the strength of bilateral relations and mutual trust between the leaderships of the two friendly countries.
Recent years have witnessed the launch of joint investment projects between the two countries worth more than $20 billion, including the energy, agriculture, transportation, finance, and technology sectors.
Kazakhstan, the largest economy in Central Asia, continues its important role in linking regional and international markets by developing its transportation infrastructure.
The tourism sector between the two countries is also witnessing increasing growth. The number of Qatari visitors to Kazakhstan increased by 50 percent in 2024, while the number of visitors from the Gulf region increased by 62 percent.
During the past three years, more than 3,000 Qatari citizens visited Kazakhstan, thanks to the exemption from visas and the presence of direct flights between Doha and the city of Almaty, while discussions are currently underway to open a new line between Doha and Astana.
The volume of trade exchange between the two countries reached $11 million in 2024, driven by increased demand in the Qatari market for high-quality Kazakh food products and meat, which have become available in local stores and used by restaurant chains in Doha.
This year, Kazakhstan celebrates the 35th anniversary of Republic Day, highlighting its achievements in the areas of economic and social development.
The country’s GDP has exceeded US$288 billion, compared to US$24 billion in 1991, reflecting the significant progress it has achieved since independence.
Foreign trade grew by 83 percent to reach $142 billion, while foreign reserves amounted to about $58 billion. The manufacturing sector also recorded a growth of 7.5 percent this year.
In the field of infrastructure, 13,000 kilometers of roads were built or renovated, and the Dostec-Muente railway line, one of the largest projects in the country, was opened.
In the field of air transport, 36 new international routes have been opened linking Kazakhstan to major cities in Asia and Europe.
Kazakhstan pays great attention to the sectors of education, health and environmental protection, as the education budget has tripled in five years, and 1,200 new schools have been opened.
Investments in the health sector have also tripled since 2020, with the establishment of 927 new medical centers and life expectancy rising to more than 75 years.
Within the framework of a national campaign entitled “Clean Kazakhstan,” citizens participated in planting more than 4 million trees and cleaning 2.8 million hectares of land, which contributed to enhancing environmental awareness and community participation.
A shared vision towards the future
Qatar and Kazakhstan continue their efforts to enhance cooperation in the fields of aviation, tourism, real estate, sports, and health care, in a way that supports common interests and promotes sustainable development.
The two countries affirm their commitment to building a strong partnership based on friendship, mutual respect and common prosperity.