By Eduard Wolter
A decade after the 2015 Enhanced Partnership and Cooperation Agreement (EPCA), the EU is now Kazakhstan’s largest trading and investment partner, Tokayev says. According to the head of state, Kazakhstan’s economy is being modernised and diversified for the mutual benefit of both sides: “The partnership between Kazakhstan and the European Union is more important today than ever before. And that is why it must be strengthened.”
Tokayev identified three main strategic objectives: firstly, strengthening resilience; secondly, expanding connectivity in all its forms; and thirdly, creating new opportunities for citizens.
A pragmatic and constructive approach to international cooperation
Tokayev sees the geopolitical situation as being at a critical stage: „Resurgent competition is rapidly reshaping trade, technology and investment flows. Global supply chains are newly vulnerable. Trade and economic interdependence now fall prey to national security.“
