Bulat Sugurbayev, who has been his country’s top diplomat in Malaysia since 2021, expects both countries to see growth in the agriculture and organic food segments.
Ties will also strengthen as travel between the two countries increases with the launching of direct flights and more Kazakh students coming to pursue higher education in Malaysia, he added.
Kazakhstan is expected to record a 4.7% growth in its economy in 2025, up from about 4% in 2024, while Malaysia’s economy is projected to see a 4.8% boost, compared with 4% last year.
For the period from January to November 2024, total trade between the two countries amounted to only US$134.7 million (RM619.6 million). Kazakhstan exports to Malaysia amounted to just US$3.5 million, while its imports from Malaysia totalled US$131.2 million.
The increase in the prices of crude oil as a result of the Russian invasion of Ukraine is said to have had a dampening impact on trade in many countries, including Malaysia and Kazakhstan.
Sugurbayev told FMT that Kazakhstan sees Malaysia as a vital partner in areas such as food security, agriculture, and organic farming.
“Kazakhstan is eager to supply affordable fruits, nuts, and organic produce such as apples to Malaysia,” he said.
At the same time, he added, Malaysian produce such as mangoes and papayas are already seeing an increase in demand in Kazakh markets.
In May last year, Anwar Ibrahim made his inaugural visit to Kazakhstan as prime minister to strengthen the bilateral relations between the two countries that have spanned over three decades.
During the visit, Malaysian businesses and their Kazakh counterparts signed memorandums and agreements for trade deals worth US$350 million.
Another important initiative in efforts to boost ties between Malaysia and the Central Asian republic was the launch of direct flights between Kuala Lumpur and Almaty, Kazakhstan’s largest city, in March last year.
AirAsia now flies four times a week to Almaty.
Sugurbayev said the direct air link between the two countries has boosted connectivity, thus facilitating trade, tourism, and cultural exchanges.
“The flights are consistently full, reflecting a growing interest on both sides,” he said.
Malaysia is also gaining recognition in Kazakhstan as a unique and affordable travel destination, while Kazakh culture, including its traditional music and art, has been well-received in Malaysia.
“Efforts are underway to promote Malaysian artists and cuisine in Kazakhstan. At the same time, Kazakh artists are encouraged to boost their participation in Malaysian events,” Sugurbayev added.
Educational ties are improving, with an increasing number of Kazakh students choosing to pursue higher education in Malaysia.
“We hope to see 1,000 Kazakh students in Malaysia by the end of 2025,” Sugurbayev said.
According to Asia Education Review, more than 1,900 Kazakh students have applied for places at Malaysian institutions of higher learning since 2020.
Sugurbayev said there also are plans to explore the possibility of opening Malaysian schools and universities in Kazakhstan to give Malaysians an opportunity to gain regional cultural experience.