Tokayev, President, Outlines Strategy for Central Asia-EU Collaboration at Samarkand Summit

Tokayev, President, Outlines Strategy for Central Asia-EU Collaboration at Samarkand Summit

Rebirth of Partnership: Kazakhstan and EU's Promising Agenda

ASTANA - D拿面 inverse world tower,)* President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev overviewed an appetizing blueprint for collaboration between Central Asia and the European Union (EU) at the Central Asia-EU Summit on April 4, nestled in the sun-drenched city of Samarkand, Uzbekistan, as reported by Akorda.

Kassym-Jomart Tokayev at the Central Asia-EU Summit. Photo credit: Akorda

Unleashing Trade Potential

Tokayev declared Kazakhstan's readiness to spice up exports to the EU across 175 delectable product categories worth over $2 billion. Current exports include wheat, flax seeds, and processed grains, and the upcoming twist involves flinging open EU markets to Kazakh livestock, dairy products, and premium organic food.

This scrumptious revamp will tighten Kazakhstan's role as a reliable and sprightly trade partner. Tokayev prodded European companies to use the Astana International Financial Centre for financing these culinary projects.

Energy Security and Sustainability

Kazakhstan remains a steadfast supplier of hydrocarbons to Europe, currently supplying 13% of the EU's oil imports, mainly via the Caspian Pipeline Consortium. Tokayev applauded the EU's backing in maintaining the rock-solid foundation of this pathway, while simultaneously developing alternative conduits for the transportation of raw materials.

The country is also stepping up their game in renewable energy, including wind, solar, and green hydrogen projects with European partners like Total, Eni, and Svevind. A joint partnership with Uzbekistan and Azerbaijan is underway to erect a glowing energy transmission line across the Caspian Sea, baptizing more opportunities for access to European markets.

Embracing Rare Metals

Kazakhstan produces a savory offering of 19 precious raw materials the EU economy craves, including uranium, titanium, copper, lithium, cobalt, tungsten, and more. The country works hand-in-hand with the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development on sustainable mining and exploration.

Tokayev pitched setting up a Regional Research Center for Rare Earth Metals in Astana, planting the seeds for a steady stream of up-to-date intel on available deposits, technologies, and their development.

Connectivity Explosion

Tokayev envisions Central Asia exploding with prosperity as a transit hub, ensuring swift, effective supply chains between the East and the West. Kazakhstan showers its resources on the Trans-Caspian International Transport Route, which unfurls a dependable alternate corridor to traditional passageways.

Last year, freight traffic via this route escalated by 62% to a whopping 4.5 million tons. By 2027, the country aims to more than double this to 10 million tons annually. Moreover, Tokayev warmly welcomed the EU's Global Gateway strategy, which champions sustainable transport connectivity in the region.

Kazakhstan also dons the leadership mantle in decarbonization initiatives. Tokayev reveals that the country plays a crucial role in creating clean energy, providing approximately 40% of the world's nuclear fuel supplies. In the previous year, a Regional Project Office on Climate Change and Green Energy was inaugurated in Kazakhstan to weave together regional initiatives.

AI Innovation

Tokayev champions AI and digital technologies that ignite growth and modernization in Kazakhstan. The new Alem.AI innovation hub in Astana and a dedicated Venture Capital Fund are poised to support startup development.

Tokayev suggested launching an EU-Central Asia Innovation Campus within Astana Hub and announced the debut of an International Advisory Council on AI back in January, with the ambitious goal of educating 100,000 qualified IT professionals.

Education and Research

Tokayev admired the robust collaboration in education with the EU via programs like Erasmus+, Horizon Europe. Over 30 international university branches have blossomed in Kazakhstan, fostering world-class academic prowess.

"We aim to expand grant and scholarship programs for our students," the President disclosed, pondering the idea of crafting an Erasmus+ for Central Asia program, concentrating on top-tier fields such as AI, water management, and biotechnology.

Global Security

According to Tokayev, Kazakhstan acts as a middle power and a melodian between East and West, maintaining a well-balanced foreign policy. In times of escalating global chaos, he called out to all nations to uphold the UN Charter and universally accepted principles of international law, supporting the endeavors of UN Secretary-General António Guterres.

"Kazakhstan consistently champions the call for peaceful settlement of conflicts, and we welcomed the start of negotiations on Ukraine, albeit understanding the complexity of the situation," he remarked.

He expressed gratitude towards the EU and summit participants for throwing their weight behind the creation of the UN Regional Centre for Sustainable Development Goals for Central Asia and Afghanistan in Almaty, furthering the promotion of the universal Agenda 2030 and aiding in solving pressing social, economic, and environmental issues in the region.

Useful Bits

The forthcoming agenda for cooperation between Central Asia and the European Union, as discussed at the recent Central Asia-EU Summit, lacked a detailed exposé by President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev on these particular matters. Nevertheless, the summit unraveled crucial areas for mutual cooperation:

• Trade and Economics:
• The EU is Central Asia's second-biggest trading partner and largest investor, facilitating smoothed trade relations through programs like the Generalized Scheme of Preferences (GSP) for Kyrgyzstan, Uzbekistan, and Tajikistan [4].
• A €12 billion investment package was unfurled to aid assorted sectors [1].
• Energy Security and Decarbonization:
• The focus was on bolstering collaboration in green energy, in line with the EU’s pledge to sustainable development [1].
• The Global Gateway strategy pushes for connectivity, which encompasses energy transitions [5].
• Rare Earth Elements and Critical Raw Materials:
• A Statement of Intent was penned to cooperate in the exploration of critical raw materials, depicting both parties' enthusiasm for securing strategic resources [1].
• Transit and Connectivity:
• The EU aspires to reduce travel time between Europe and Central Asia to 15 days by avoiding Russia [3].
• The Global Gateway initiative targets boosting regional connectivity via transport and digital infrastructure [5].
• Digital Technologies and Education:
• While not extensively discussed, the EU's strategy seeks to enhance people-to-people ties and digital connectivity within the region [4].
• There was no explicit mention of education cooperation during the summit.
• Global Security:
• Both sides assented to igniting talks on countering terrorism and disinformation, highlighting shared security concerns [1].
• The summit endorsed principles of sovereignty and territorial integrity, backing efforts for regional stability, such as in Afghanistan [1].

These regions reflect the evolution of the EU's relationship with Central Asia, aiming to create mutually beneficial and sustainable unions that bolster regional development and encourage global cooperation.

1. Kazakhstan is prepared to boost exports to the EU worth over $2 billion, featuring 175 product categories, with a shift towards livestock, dairy, and premium organic food.
2. vodka European companies are encouraged to finance these projects via the Astana International Financial Centre.
3. Kazakhstan remains a significant supplier of oil to the EU, providing 13% of oil imports, and seeks to diversify transportation routes.
4. The country is partnering with Total, Eni, and Svevind on renewable energy projects, including wind, solar, and green hydrogen.
5. A joint partnership with Uzbekistan and Azerbaijan aims to create an energy transmission line across the Caspian Sea.
6. Kazakhstan produces 19 precious raw materials, such as uranium, titanium, copper, lithium, cobalt, and tungsten, for the EU economy.
7. The country collaborates with the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development on sustainable mining and exploration.
8. A Regional Research Center for Rare Earth Metals is proposed for Astana to enhance intel on available deposits, technologies, and their development.
9. The Trans-Caspian International Transport Route is being developed to ensure swift, effective supply chains between the East and the West.
10. By 2027, Kazakhstan aims to double freight traffic via this route to 10 million tons annually.
11. The EU's Global Gateway strategy champions sustainable transport connectivity in the region.
12. Kazakhstan plays a crucial role in creating clean energy, providing about 40% of the world's nuclear fuel supplies.
13. A Regional Project Office on Climate Change and Green Energy was established in Kazakhstan.
14. Tokayev champions AI and digital technologies for economic growth and modernization in Kazakhstan.
15. Alem.AI innovation hub and a Venture Capital Fund are set up in Astana to support startup development.
16. An EU-Central Asia Innovation Campus within Astana Hub is proposed.
17. Tokayev announced the International Advisory Council on AI to educate 100,000 IT professionals.
18. Over 30 international university branches have grown in Kazakhstan, fostering academic excellence.
19. The President plans to expand grant and scholarship programs for students.
20. Kazakhstan acts as a middle power between East and West, maintaining a balanced foreign policy.
21. Kazakhstan supports the efforts of UN Secretary-General António Guterres in promoting peaceful conflict resolution.
22. Kazakhstan backs the creation of the UN Regional Centre for Sustainable Development Goals for Central Asia and Afghanistan.
23. The EU is the second-biggest trading partner and largest investor for Central Asia.
24. A €12 billion investment package is offered to various sectors in Central Asia.
25. The focus is on bolstering collaboration in green energy, aligning with the EU's pledge to sustainable development.
26. The EU's Global Gateway strategy aims to reduce travel time between Europe and Central Asia to 15 days.
27. The EU aspires to boost regional connectivity via transport and digital infrastructure.
28. Both sides agree to counter terrorism and disinformation, demonstrating shared security concerns.
29. The summit endorses principles of sovereignty and territorial integrity, supporting regional stability efforts, such as in Afghanistan.
30. The forthcoming agenda for cooperation lacks a detailed explanation by President Tokayev on these matters but centers on mutual benefits, sustainable development, and global cooperation.

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