ASTANA – The International Economic Forum titled "Central Asia: Economic Integration and Sustainable Development" will be held in Astana from March 20-22, 2025. Delegations from over 50 countries are expected to participate in the event.
Purpose and Objectives of the Forum
The main purpose of the forum is to strengthen economic cooperation in the Central Asian region, discuss investment opportunities, and accelerate regional integration processes. The event is organized by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Ministry of National Economy of the Republic of Kazakhstan.
Forum Program
The three-day forum program covers the following key areas:
- Economic Cooperation – ways to increase regional trade turnover
- Investment Opportunities – mechanisms for financing new projects
- Transport and Logistics – developing transit potential
- Digital Transformation – creating a regional digital space
- Green Economy – implementing sustainable development goals
"This forum will be a very important event for Central Asian countries. We strive to reach a new level of economic cooperation" – Minister of Foreign Affairs Murat Nurtleu
Participants and Guests
Representatives from the following countries and international organizations are expected to participate in the forum:
State Delegations
- Central Asian countries (Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan)
- EAEU member countries – Russia, Belarus, Armenia
- Asia-Pacific countries – China, India, Japan, South Korea
- European Union countries – Germany, France, Italy, Netherlands
- Middle Eastern countries – UAE, Turkey, Saudi Arabia
International Organizations
- World Bank
- International Monetary Fund (IMF)
- Asian Development Bank (ADB)
- Eurasian Development Bank (EDB)
- Islamic Development Bank
Expected Results
Several important documents are expected to be adopted after the forum concludes:
- Astana Declaration – a roadmap for developing regional cooperation
- Investment Memorandums – projects valued at a total of $15 billion
- Transport Agreements – on opening new transport corridors
- Digital Cooperation Protocol – implementing joint IT projects
Economic Impact
According to experts, the forum results could significantly impact the Central Asian economy. New investment projects will enable the creation of over 50,000 jobs and increase regional trade turnover by 20%.
Importance for Kazakhstan
For Kazakhstan, the forum will be a tool to achieve several strategic goals:
- Strengthening the position of regional economic leadership
- Enhancing the role as an international transit hub
- Attracting foreign investment
- Raising Astana's prestige as an international event center
Preparatory Work
Preparations for the forum are underway in full swing. The EXPO center in Astana where the event will be held is being renovated, and necessary infrastructure is being built. All five-star hotels in the city have been booked to receive guests.
A special visa regime has been provided for forum participants. Delegation members will be able to obtain visas online within 24 hours.
Media Coverage
The forum will be covered by over 100 domestic and foreign media representatives. All events will be available for live viewing via online broadcast. All materials will be published on the official website in three languages (Kazakh, Russian, English).
Conclusion
The international economic forum in Astana should become a historically significant event for Central Asia. This is a golden opportunity to showcase the region's economic potential to the world and establish new cooperation ties.
We hope that the successful holding of the forum will further strengthen Kazakhstan's prestige in the international arena and open a new stage of regional economic development.
