By Madina Usmanova

Copyright trend

ASTANA, Kazakhstan, September 22. During a
meeting with Kazakhstan’s President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev in the
United States, U.S. Secretary of Commerce Howard Lutnick emphasized
the potential for deepening economic ties, particularly in the
field of critical minerals, Trend reports.

“The potential for cooperation and strengthening our economies
is a key factor in developing trade relations and opens broad
prospects in critical minerals, where we could direct joint
investments,” Lutnick said. “We are also very pleased that you
chose Wabtec in the locomotive sector. This is an excellent
foundation for our collaboration.”

The remarks come as part of a broader effort to expand bilateral
economic cooperation. During his U.S. visit, President Tokayev
signed a series of agreements with Wabtec, the American
transportation technology leader, in Lutnick’s presence.

Wabtec has been instrumental in modernizing Kazakhstan’s railway
sector, operating a locomotive assembly plant in Astana since 2009.
The plant has produced over 600 locomotives for domestic use and
export, achieving a 45% production localization rate, with total
investments exceeding $230 million.