Malaysia as a “strategic bridge” to Southeast Asia and is keen on
strengthening cooperation both at the federal and regional levels,
said Kazakhstan’s Ambassador to Malaysia, Bolat Sugurbayev, at a
business forum in Malaysia, Trend reports.
A business forum titled “Kazakhstan: Heart of Eurasia” was held
in the capital of Malaysia’s Penang state. The event was organized
by the Honorary Consulate of the Republic of Kazakhstan in Penang,
with support from the Embassy of Kazakhstan in Malaysia.
The forum was attended by representatives from the state
government, businesses, higher education institutions, and the
media. From the Kazakh side, presentations on investment and
tourism climates were delivered by representatives of JSC “NC
“Kazakh Invest”, JSC “NC “Kazakh Tourism”, and “Almaty Development
Company” under the Akimat of Almaty.
“Penang is a leading economic center in Malaysia with a
developed electronics industry, logistics, creative economy, and
tourism. Kazakhstan, in turn, has successful experience in the
digitalization of the economy and fintech. Combined with direct
flights and a visa-free regime between our countries, this creates
excellent conditions for business partnerships,” he emphasized.
The Minister of Tourism and Creative Economy of Penang, Wong Hon
Wei, highlighted the state’s interest in developing comprehensive
cooperation with Kazakhstan and expressed confidence that Penang
has great potential for cooperation with Kazakhstan in IT, fintech,
and “smart city” development. He also noted the interest of
Malaysian industrial enterprises, particularly in the metallurgy
and steel sectors, in expanding cooperation with Kazakhstan.
Honorary Consul of Kazakhstan in Penang, Luis Ng, emphasized the
active growth of Kazakhstan’s economy, which provides new
opportunities for expanding Malaysian businesses both within the
country and for further entry into the Central Asian markets.
Anes Zadabek, Deputy Chairman of the Board of “Almaty
Development Company,” presented the investment and tourism
potential of Almaty, whose economy generates about 20 percent of
Kazakhstan’s GDP.
Foreign representative of JSC “NC “Kazakh Invest” Diana
Ablyakimova focused on the vast base of mineral resources and
critical minerals necessary for the development of the electronics
industry. She noted that, due to transparent conditions that
include best international practices, Malaysian companies have the
opportunity to invest in Kazakhstan’s economy.
Following the presentations, a lively discussion took place
regarding the prospects of the Kazakh market, considering its
geostrategic position and resource base, as well as measures taken
by the Kazakh government to continually improve the business
climate. A significant portion of forum participants expressed
their intention to visit Kazakhstan, and the Honorary Consulate is
working on forming a business delegation.
Kazakhstan and Malaysia are members of the UN and the
Organization of Islamic Cooperation. Diplomatic relations between
the two countries were established on March 16, 1992.