Kazakhstan Secures Major US Investments in Agriculture, Aviation, and Healthcare

President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev's recent visit to the United States has yielded a series of significant investment agreements aimed at boosting Kazakhstan's economy through long-term partnerships and production localization.

A key outcome is a $180 million investment agreement between Kazakhstan's Ministry of Agriculture and Mars, Incorporated. The corporation plans to build a pet food production plant in the new city of Alatau. The facility will focus on deep processing of local agricultural raw materials to create high-value export products.

In the healthcare sector, discussions with Ashmore Group centered on a proposal to build an international clinic. The project would involve Ashmore Healthcare International and Samruk-Kazyna Invest, with Mount Sinai Health System potentially acting as the operator. This initiative aligns with Kazakhstan's strategy to develop medical infrastructure and medical tourism.

The aviation industry was another focal point. During talks with Boeing leadership, President Tokayev confirmed the interest of Kazakh carriers Air Astana, SCAT Airlines, and VietJet Kazakhstan in expanding cooperation. Air Astana expects to receive Boeing 787 Dreamliner aircraft in the second half of 2026, which could pave the way for direct flights between Kazakhstan and the US. The airline is also considering establishing its first maintenance and repair center at Shymkent Airport in partnership with an American company.

The visit concluded with negotiations involving the US International Development Finance Corporation (DFC). Discussions focused on projects in the mining sector and the development of transport and transit infrastructure crucial for regional trade.

According to a recent UNCTAD report, Kazakhstan maintains a dominant position in attracting foreign direct investment (FDI) within Central Asia. In 2024, its FDI stock reached approximately $151 billion, significantly surpassing figures from neighboring countries.