The forum was opened by Prime Minister of Kazakhstan Olzhas Bektenov, who emphasized in his welcoming speech the important role of the business forum in expanding trade and economic ties between Kazakhstan and Italy. He noted that the strategic partnership between the two countries is dynamically developing thanks to the efforts of the heads of state.

Successful cooperation has been established in the fields of energy, mechanical engineering, chemical industry, pharmaceuticals, and agriculture. Last year, bilateral trade increased by 25%, reaching nearly USD 20 billion, with Kazakhstan’s exports exceeding USD 18 billion. In the first quarter of this year alone, trade turnover reached USD 4.4 billion.

Italy is also among the top five EU investors in Kazakhstan. Over the past 20 years, Italian investments in the Kazakh economy have totaled USD 7.6 billion, supporting projects in the oil and gas sector, green energy, mechanical engineering, and agriculture

Representing the Foreign Trade Chamber of Kazakhstan at the forum were Board Member and Chief of Staff Asan Zhakishev and Director of the International Cooperation Department Diana Zhakutova. As part of the event, a working meeting was held with Livio Mazzuoccolo, General Director of Confindustria Kazakhstan. The parties discussed prospects for further cooperation and agreed to begin joint efforts in organizing B2B meetings, as well as outlined the next steps to strengthen collaboration.

The forum served as a platform for discussing key issues related to the development of bilateral cooperation in trade and logistics, including the entire supply chain. The program featured panel discussions, exchange of successful business cases, investment opportunity presentations, and B2B meetings.

Participants included government officials, business representatives, and experts from both countries. Particular attention was paid to optimizing logistics routes and strengthening trade and investment ties between Kazakhstan and Italy.