Kazakhstan Proposes Linking Transport Routes Across Asia with Cambodia

Negotiations between Olzhas Bektenov and Hun Manet took place in Astana during the first official visit of the Cambodian prime minister to Kazakhstan. According to the press service of the Kazakh government, the parties discussed expanding bilateral cooperation in trade, investments, transport, agriculture, digital technologies, and tourism.

Kazakhstan expressed interest in increasing exports to the Cambodian market. Potential exports mentioned included grain crops, vegetable oils, meat, and processed agricultural products. The volumes, timelines, and costs of future export contracts were not announced following the meeting.

The parties also considered interaction in agricultural infrastructure. The agenda included projects for the processing and storage of agricultural products, modern irrigation technologies, and the development of agricultural cooperation. No specific agreements on these areas were reported by the government.

A separate topic was the possibility of linking the Trans-Caspian International Transport Route with the China-Laos-Vietnam-Cambodia corridor. The Trans-Caspian route, or Middle Corridor, passes through Kazakhstan, the Caspian Sea, and South Caucasus countries, connecting Asian and European markets. The parameters of potential integration, implementation timelines, investment volume, and future cargo flows were not specified.

In the investment part of the negotiations, Kazakhstan invited Cambodia’s financial and business community to leverage the opportunities of the Astana International Financial Center. The parties also discussed expanding the range of goods and establishing direct contacts between entrepreneurs. The final report does not mention any new deals or specific investment commitments.

Kazakhstan and Cambodia expressed interest in cooperation in the fields of artificial intelligence and digitalization. The government’s report does not specify the proposed joint projects, participants, or preparation timelines. Additionally, the delegations discussed the development of tourism and humanitarian ties.

Following the meeting, both sides confirmed their readiness to continue bilateral cooperation and work on joint initiatives. Kazakhstan's new proposals complemented the agenda previously discussed between the Eurasian Economic Commission and Cambodia on expanding trade, improving customs procedures, and developing logistics.