Kazakhstan Offers Indonesia A Route To Central Asia And Europe

Kazakhstan and Indonesia want to expand trade and launch joint projects in several sectors. Prime Minister Olzhas Bektenov and Indonesian Coordinating Minister for Economic Affairs Airlangga Hartarto discussed the plans at a meeting, Orda.kz reports.

The meeting focused less on diplomacy and more on specific areas where the two countries see practical benefits. Kazakhstan and Indonesia want to develop cooperation in energy, agriculture, the food industry, textiles, the digital economy, and tourism. Islamic banking was discussed separately — a sector Kazakhstan has been trying to develop for several years.

Logistics was another key topic. Kazakhstan offered Indonesia the use of its transport corridors as a route into the markets of Central Asia, the Eurasian Economic Union, and Europe. In effect, Astana is trying to strengthen Kazakhstan’s role as a transit hub between Asia and Europe.

Trade between the two countries remains limited. In 2025, trade turnover amounted to about $245 million. Kazakhstan mainly sells metallurgical and chemical products to Indonesia, while Indonesia exports electronics and textiles to Kazakhstan.

The parties also said they want to increase mutual investment and expand business contacts.

Earlier, Tokayev signed laws on a strategic partnership with the United Kingdom and military cooperation with Turkey.

Original author: Alexander Smolin

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