Copyright qna
Doha, October 25 - Economic relations between the State of Qatar and the Republic of Kazakhstan are witnessing remarkable growth, coinciding with the celebration of Kazakhstan's Republic Day, marking 35 years since the country's independence. Qatari investments in Kazakhstan have increased sharply from USD 13 million in 2022 to more than USD 1.1 billion in 2025, reflecting the strength of relations and the mutual trust between the leaderships of the two friendly countries. Growing Economic Partnership In recent years, Qatar and Kazakhstan have launched joint investment projects worth over USD 20 billion, covering key sectors such as energy, agriculture, transport, finance, and technology. Kazakhstan, the largest economy in Central Asia, continues to play an important role in connecting regional and international markets through its expanding transport network. Tourism is also growing rapidly. In 2024, the number of Qatari visitors to Kazakhstan increased by 50 percent, while the total number of tourists from the Gulf region rose by 62 percent. Over the past three years, more than 3,000 Qatari citizens have visited Kazakhstan, supported by visa-free entry and direct flights between Doha and Almaty. Discussions are ongoing to launch a new Doha-Astana route. Trade between the two countries reached USD 11 million in 2024, driven by growing Qatari demand for Kazakh meat and food products, now available in local markets and restaurants in Doha. Kazakhstan continues to attract large volumes of foreign investment, exceeding USD 400 billion in total. The country also focuses on digital transformation and innovation, aiming to further strengthen its economic position in the coming years. Both countries are committed to deepening cooperation in aviation, healthcare, tourism, real estate, and sports, areas in which Qatar has extensive experience and Kazakhstan offers new opportunities. Kazakhstan's Steady Economic Growth Kazakhstan celebrates this year its 35th Republic Day, highlighting its achievements in economic and social development. The country's GDP now exceeds USD 288 billion, compared with USD 24 billion in 1991, showing strong progress since independence. Since 2019, Kazakhstan's economy has grown by 16 percent, reaching USD 291 billion, while foreign trade increased by 83 percent to USD 142 billion. The country's foreign reserves stand at USD 58 billion, and the manufacturing sector recorded 7.5 percent growth this year. Infrastructure continues to expand, with 13,000 kilometers of roads built or renovated and the opening of the Dostyk-Mointy railway line, one of the largest transport projects in the country. In air transport, 36 new international routes have been launched this year linking Kazakhstan with major cities in Asia and Europe. Social and Environmental Progress Kazakhstan attaches great importance to education, healthcare, and the environment. Over the past five years, education spending tripled, and 1,200 new schools were opened. Investment in healthcare has also tripled since 2020, with 927 new medical centers built and life expectancy exceeding 75 years. Through the national campaign "Clean Kazakhstan", citizens planted over 4 million trees and cleaned 2.8 million hectares of land, contributing to greater environmental awareness and public participation. A Shared Vision for the Future As Kazakhstan continues its path of modernization and development, both Doha and Astana reaffirm their shared vision of building a strong and sustainable partnership based on friendship, mutual respect, and shared prosperity. (QNA)
