Doubling Trade, New Investment Projects and Alatau City: Tokayev Meets South Korean Prime Minister - Updated
Kazakhstan and South Korea intend to double bilateral trade and expand commerce in high-value-added products, President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev said during a meeting with South Korean Prime Minister Han Seong-sook, according to the Akorda presidential press service.
"We have set the goal of doubling bilateral trade. To achieve this, it is important not only to increase volumes but also to improve the structure of trade by expanding the range of high-value-added goods. I therefore believe it is highly relevant to develop a comprehensive Kazakhstan-Korea trade, economic and investment cooperation program for 2027-2030. I also consider it important to prepare a separate industrial cooperation roadmap incorporating the most promising projects for localizing production and exporting goods to third-country markets," Tokayev said.
The president noted that South Korea ranks among Kazakhstan’s 10 largest trade and investment partners. More than 1,000 joint ventures involving South Korean capital operate in the country.
Tokayev said Kazakhstan had created favorable conditions for both major South Korean corporations and small and medium-sized businesses. Cooperation is also supported by the Intergovernmental Commission on Trade, Economic, Scientific and Technological Cooperation and the bilateral Business Council.
Han described Kazakhstan as South Korea’s largest trade and investment partner in Central Asia.
"I hope the current summit will give further momentum to cooperation between our countries, particularly in the economy and energy supply chains. We also believe Korea can become a strong partner for Kazakhstan in developing the new Alatau City," Han said.
The two sides also discussed joint projects in transport and logistics, critical materials, automotive manufacturing, digitalization, artificial intelligence and health care.
Tokayev emphasized the importance of his upcoming talks with South Korean President Lee Jae-myung, which he said should open a new chapter in bilateral relations.
Updated Sept. 15, 2026, at 3:10 p.m.
Tokayev and Han reviewed several Alatau Smart City projects.
The presentation outlined the city’s development plans, including digital infrastructure, new forms of urban mobility and investment opportunities. It also showcased projects with South Korean partners in K-Smart Town, education, research and development, and urban air mobility, including drones and air taxis.
A major South Korean corporation was previously invited to participate in technology projects in Kazakhstan.
Alternative headlines:
Kazakhstan and South Korea Aim to Double Trade and Expand Investment
Tokayev and South Korean Prime Minister Discuss Trade Growth and Alatau City
Kazakhstan Seeks Deeper Economic Ties with South Korea Through Alatau City Projects
This information may not be reproduced without reference to Kazakhstan Today. Copyright of materials of News Agency Kazakhstan Today.