The V meeting of the Kazakh-British Business Council was held at Samruk-Kazyna JSC, bringing together more than 100 representatives of the business communities and government institutions of Kazakhstan and the United Kingdom. Opening remarks were delivered by Nurlan Zhakupov, Chairman of the Management Board of Samruk-Kazyna, Anas Sarwar, UK Minister of State for Trade, Alibek Bakayev, Ambassador of Kazakhstan to the United Kingdom, and Sally Axworthy, HM Ambassador to Kazakhstan.

Opening the meeting, Nurlan Zhakupov noted that the economic partnership between the two countries is expanding beyond traditional sectors and encompassing new areas.

“Today, our focus should be on what comes next. Kazakhstan-British economic cooperation goes far beyond traditional sectors and opens up new opportunities in critical minerals, transport, logistics, aviation, infrastructure, financial services and digital transformation,” he said.

He highlighted the practical nature of Samruk-Kazyna’s cooperation with British businesses. Current projects include partnerships between KazMunayGas and Shell and BP, cooperation between Air Astana and BAE Systems, as well as solar energy projects involving Samruk-Kazyna Invest and United Green.

One of the key topics was the implementation of the Alatau City project. Participants discussed approaches to the city’s development, as well as international experience in designing and developing modern urban infrastructure.

A separate session focused on financing future growth through capital markets. Representatives of London Stock Exchange Group, TheCityUK, UKEF and Kazakh financial institutions discussed opportunities to raise capital and expand investment cooperation.

Two documents aimed at developing Kazakh-British business cooperation were also signed during the meeting:

* Joint Statement on the Development of the Kazakh-British Business Council. The document provides for the further development of the Council as a platform for engagement between the business communities of the two countries, the holding of annual Council meetings, and the promotion of new trade and investment opportunities.
* Long-Term Supply Contract between SK-Pharmacy and AstraZeneca.

The Kazakh-British Business Council serves as a platform for developing business and investment cooperation between Kazakhstan and the United Kingdom. Established in 2015, the Council is co-chaired on the Kazakh side by Samruk-Kazyna. The next meeting of the Business Council is scheduled to be held in London in 2027.