Kazakhstan, UK discuss expanding trade, critical minerals and investment cooperation
Kazakhstan and the United Kingdom discussed broadening bilateral trade, industrial cooperation and investment, with trade turnover between the two countries reaching $1.25bn in the first seven months of 2026, Kazakhstan’s Ministry of Trade and Integration reported. Kazakh Trade and Integration Minister Arman Shakkaliyev held talks with Lord John Alderdice, the UK Trade Envoy for Azerbaijan and Central Asia. The meeting focused on bilateral trade, ways to boost Kazakh exports, industrial cooperation, investment, and cooperation in science and education.
Trade between Kazakhstan and the UK has grown over the past year. Bilateral turnover reached $1.63bn in 2025, up 83.7% from 2024. In January–July 2026, trade totaled $1.25bn, an increase of 68.5% compared with the same period of 2025. Shakkaliyev said Kazakhstan aims to diversify the structure of bilateral trade and raise exports of higher-value-added products. Kazakhstan’s current exports to the UK include silver, crude oil, copper and cathodes.
To strengthen direct business ties, the minister proposed arranging a visit by British importers and retailers to Kazakhstan. The initiative would create opportunities for UK companies to work directly with Kazakh producers. Critical minerals were another topic of discussion. The two sides looked at cooperation in mining and mineral processing, as well as opportunities to produce goods with higher added value.
The parties also discussed attracting British investment to Kazakhstan’s manufacturing, energy, logistics and high-technology sectors. Expanding direct contacts between Kazakh and British companies was identified as another area for deeper economic cooperation. Standardization and export promotion were also discussed. Shakkaliyev said Kazakhstan is interested in sharing experience involving the British Standards Institution and KazStandart in certification and compliance procedures.
The talks also addressed preparations for carbon-related regulatory requirements, including the Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism, or CBAM. Cooperation in this area would center on helping exporters understand certification, compliance and carbon-related requirements affecting access to international markets. Scientific and educational cooperation was another part of the meeting. Alderdice highlighted opportunities for partnerships between universities and research institutions in Kazakhstan and the UK, especially in mining, mineral processing and the nuclear industry.
The meeting comes as Kazakhstan seeks to expand international economic cooperation in areas including critical minerals, advanced industries, energy and transport.