ERNST & PARTNERS Participates in the Kazakhstan–Iran Business Forum

The legal team of ERNST & PARTNERS took part in the Kazakhstan–Iran Business Forum, attended by Presidents Kassym-Jomart Tokayev and Masoud Pezeshkian. The forum served as a key platform for discussing economic cooperation between the two countries, including trade, logistics, investment, agriculture, digital development, and environmental initiatives.

Trade Growth and Economic Partnership
According to media reports, Kazakhstan and Iran announced plans to significantly increase bilateral trade — first to $1 billion, and subsequently to $2 billion.
President Tokayev highlighted that Iranian businesses have invested more than $226 million in Kazakhstan over the past two decades, with more than 350 companies with Iranian participation successfully operating in the country.

Logistics: New Ports and Doubling Transit
Development of transport corridors was one of the central topics. Kazakhstan and Iran agreed to strengthen cooperation between the ports of Aktau and Kuryk and the Iranian ports of Amirabad, Anzali, Bandar Abbas, and Chabahar, as well as develop a joint terminal at Shahid Rajaee Port.
President Tokayev emphasized that cargo flows along the Kazakhstan–Turkmenistan–Iran route could double by 2030.

Agriculture: A New Dairy Plant and Grain Export Growt
hIran remains one of the largest importers of Kazakh grain. Media sources noted:

• Solico Group plans to build a dairy plant in Kazakhstan with an annual capacity of 200,000 tons and launch baby food production.
• Kourosh Food Industry is exploring projects in vegetable oil production and poultry farming.

Kazakhstan reiterated its openness to new joint agricultural projects.
Digital Development: Focus on AI and InnovationKazakhstan continues to strengthen its digital transformation. Recent developments include:

• the establishment of the region’s first Ministry of Artificial Intelligence and Digital Development,
• the launch of the first supercomputer in Central Asia,
• the opening of the Alem.AI International Artificial Intelligence Center.

President Tokayev invited Iranian companies to collaborate in the fields of AI, digital technology, and tech innovation.

Caspian Sea: Joint Environmental Response
Environmental challenges in the Caspian Sea were another important topic. Kazakhstan proposed:

• developing an interstate program to preserve the Caspian Sea,
• increasing cooperation with international organizations,
• participating in the 7th Caspian Summit in Tehran,
• hosting the 4th Caspian Economic Forum within the next two years.

Iran’s Position: New Projects and Closer Business Ties
President Pezeshkian noted that the private sector of both countries has already identified promising areas for cooperation, including:

• a shipping consortium on the Caspian Sea,
• construction of storage and distribution hubs in Aktau,
• a joint food and packaging plant,
• an export hub for building materials in Almaty,
• projects in mineral resources and raw material processing.

Iran also expressed support for creating a Kazakhstan–Iran Joint Trade Council, opening direct flights, simplifying business visas, and organizing bilateral trade exhibitions.

ERNST & PARTNERS Participation
The team of ERNST & PARTNERS joined discussions on the legal framework for cross-border cooperation, regulatory mechanisms, logistics initiatives, investment projects, and economic partnerships between the two countries.
We remain committed to strengthening international collaboration and contributing to major economic events shaping Kazakhstan’s business landscape.