H.E. Mr. Yerzhan Kistafin
Ambassador of Kazakhstan to Pakistan,
Read on the Occasion of 34th anniversary of the adoption of the Declaration of Sovereignty by the Supreme Council of the Republic of Kazakhstan.
The Republic Day of Kazakhstan,Oct 25, 2024, Serena Hotel, Islamabad
In the presence of Chairman Senate , Syed Yousuf Raza Gillani, Minister for Communications, Privatization, Investment, Abdul Aleem Khan,Minister of Information and Broadcasting, Culture and National Heritage, Attaullah Tarar, Special Assistant to the Prime Minister of Pakistan on Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Syed Tariq Fatemi.
The Republic Day is a day of immense importance in the history of Kazakhstan. It symbolizes the beginning of our journey toward state sovereignty and the consolidation of our independence.
Over the past three decades, Kazakhstan has developed dynamically, with a strong focus on socio-economic and foreign policy aspects.
Some key achievements in Kazakhstan’s development.
In 2023, Kazakhstan’s foreign trade volume amounted to $139.8 billion (exports of 78.7 billion, imports of 61.1 billion) marking a 3.2% increase year-on-year.
Since 1993, Kazakhstan has attracted a total of 441 billion dollars in foreign direct investments (FDI). Top 10 investors since 2005 are the Netherlands, the USA, Switzerland, China, Russia, France, the UK, Belgium, the Republic of Korea, and Japan.
According to the FDI Intelligence ranking of the best markets for investment in emerging markets in 2024, Kazakhstan took 6th place in terms of the dynamics of attracting foreign direct investment.
Additionally, the Astana International Financial Centre (AIFC) plays a crucial role in establishing Kazakhstan as a regional business hub. In 2024, more than 3000 companies from 82 countries registered at AIFC. Since 2018, more than $12 billion of investments have been raised through the AIFC platform.
Kazakhstan is investing heavily in digital infrastructure and is implementing projects to provide extensive broadband internet access across the country. Plans are also underway to introduce 5G and high-quality data centers in urban and rural areas over the coming years.
Speaking of Kazakhstan’s logistical potential, I would like to particularly highlight the directive of President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev on the development of the “North-South” transport corridor.
Kazakhstan’s increased role in global trade and its key involvement in the Belt and Road Initiative has given the country the potential to open its markets to billions of people.
A total of 13 international transport corridors cross Kazakhstan, including five railroad and eight high ways. In 2023, transit traffic volume reached 32 million tons. By 2029, we plan to increase this to 35 million tons.
Speaking about Kazakhstan’s foreign policy, I would like to highlight Astana’s active stance on the international stage. A prime example of this is Kazakhstan’s proactive participation in various international organizations and peacekeeping efforts.
Kazakhstan plays an active role in international organizations, building equal and mutually beneficial relations with all countries. Astana firmly adheres to the strategic course of strengthening multilateral cooperation with the Central Asian states and is committed to further contributing to cooperation to ensure stability in the region.
Kazakhstan follows the principle of “A successful Central Asia is a successful Kazakhstan”.
In 2024, Kazakhstan has simultaneously chaired several international organizations, including SCO, CICA, the Organization of Turkic States, the Consultative Meetings of the States of Central Asia, the Collective Security Treaty Organization, the Islamic Organization for Food Security, and the International Fund for Saving the Aral Sea.
Kazakhstan considers its participation in UN peacekeeping missions as an essential part of its foreign policy aimed at strengthening regional and global security.
The “Born Bold” campaign in Kazakhstan was launched in 2024, initiated by President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev as part of the broader efforts to modernize the country and to showcase the country’s dynamic, forward-thinking approach to economic growth, social progress and innovation.
It highlights Kazakhstan’s strategic sectors; such as energy, logistics, education, and tourism, positioning the country as a bold and attractive destination for global businesses, investments, and cultural exchange.
Speaking about sports diplomacy, I would like to inform you that September this year, the 5th World Nomad Games took place in Astana. Throughout the week, competitions in 21 sports were held as part of the 5th WNG, along with a daily cultural program at the Ethnoaul “Universe of Nomads.”
Additionally, a scientific and practical conference titled “Nomads: History, Knowledge, Lessons” was held as part of the scientific program. Approximately 2,800 participants from 89 countries took part in these Games. According to estimations hundreds of thousands of people attended the Games. Pakistan team was also well represented at the Games and secured three bronze medals.
In line with President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev’s state of the nation Address from September 1, 2023, titled “The Economic Course of a Fair Kazakhstan”, which emphasizes maintaining constructive and neighborly relations with all countries, including our South Asian neighbors, especially Pakistan, the Embassy has been working to develop multifaceted cooperation with your beautiful country.
Kazakhstan Embassy Islamabad Celebrates the Republic Day with Special Children in Focus
