ASTANA, Kazakhstan – Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Sihasak Phuangketkeow met with Kazakhstan President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev during an official visit to Kazakhstan, where the two countries agreed to elevate bilateral ties to a strategic partnership. The talks covered economic development, trade, investment, security, and other areas of long-term cooperation. Sihasak said Kazakhstan serves as a gateway to Central Asia, while Thailand plays a similar role in ASEAN, creating new opportunities for trade and regional supply chains. He also pointed to Kazakhstan’s location along the Trans-Caspian International Transport Corridor, saying it could help Thailand expand exports into Central Asia, Europe, and other nearby markets. Kazakhstan’s population of about 20 million, combined with relatively high purchasing power, also offers opportunities for Thai exporters.
Thai businesses are showing growing interest in Kazakhstan, especially in the food industry, where the country could serve as a manufacturing and distribution hub for Central Asia, Russia, and Europe. Thailand’s hospitality, spa, and wellness sectors are also receiving interest from Kazakhstan’s expanding middle- and upper-income market. The two sides also discussed cooperation in energy and mineral resources, including Thailand’s interest in importing rare earth minerals and other materials used in electric vehicle and battery production. Sihasak said closer economic relations with Kazakhstan would help diversify Thailand’s export markets, reduce reliance on traditional trading partners, and create new opportunities for Thai businesses. (NNT)
