Tokayev meets with business leaders in Washington

Tengrinews.kz – Kassym-Jomart Tokayev received the Chief Executive Officer of the U.S. International Development Finance Corporation (DFC), Ben Black, citing the press service of Akorda.
During the meeting with the leadership of this reputable international financial institution, the parties discussed prospects for expanding investment cooperation and implementing joint projects.
The President noted that the corporation is an important partner of Kazakhstan in promoting sustainable development and expressed readiness to deepen cooperation in various sectors of the economy.
In turn, Ben Black emphasized that President Donald Trump and his administration attach priority importance to strengthening close and mutually beneficial cooperation with Kazakhstan.
In this context, he noted in particular the prospects for implementing joint projects in the mining industry, as well as in the field of transport and transit infrastructure, stressing their strategic importance for expanding regional and interregional trade.

The Head of State also received Boeing Executive Vice President Jeff Shockey.
The President noted that the airlines Air Astana, SCAT and Vietjet Qazaqstan are interested in further advancing joint projects that are key to the development of our country’s aviation sector.
In this regard, Kassym-Jomart Tokayev welcomed the conclusion of an agreement between Air Astana and Boeing on the supply of aircraft.

“In order to launch direct air service with the United States, aircraft of the Boeing 787 Dreamliner type are expected to arrive in Kazakhstan in the second half of the year. In addition, SCAT Airlines plans to purchase additional Boeing aircraft, and is also exploring the possibility of opening the first maintenance and repair center at Shymkent airport in partnership with the American corporation,” the press service of Akorda reported.

In turn, Jeff Shockey shared the company’s plans for digitalization and gave a high assessment of Kazakhstan’s transit and transport capabilities. He noted the existing potential for productive cooperation in the cargo air transportation sector.
During the meeting, issues related to training domestic specialists for the aviation industry and the prospects for developing the country’s cargo aircraft fleet were also discussed.

At a meeting with Ashmore Group Chief Executive Officer Mark Coombs, the parties discussed the implementation of mutually beneficial joint projects.

“The President was informed about plans to build an international clinic in Kazakhstan in partnership with Ashmore Healthcare International and LLP ‘Samruk-Kazyna Invest’, with the involvement of the world-class medical operator Mount Sinai Health System. The Head of State stressed that our country’s government is ready to provide comprehensive support for this important project,” the press service of Akorda stated.

In turn, Mark Coombs noted the great potential for cooperation in the strategic sectors of Kazakhstan’s economy. He also spoke about prospects for collaboration within the framework of the Open Investment Partnership program, aimed at developing priority and high-tech sectors of the economy.
Kassym-Jomart Tokayev also received the Chief Executive Officer of Mars, Poul Weihrauch.
The Head of State welcomed the signing of an investment agreement between Kazakhstan’s Ministry of Agriculture and Mars in the amount of about 180 million dollars.

“President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev emphasized that this event marks the beginning of a strategically important partnership and reflects the high level of Kazakh–American cooperation. As part of the project, Mars will build a pet food production plant in the city of Alatau, which will ensure deep processing of agribusiness raw materials and the production of high value-added products,” Akorda reported.

In turn, Paul Weirauch thanked Kassym-Jomart Tokayev for the support in implementing the mutually beneficial investment agreement. According to him, this initiative will become an excellent platform for Mars to expand production and its sales market in Central Asia and neighboring regions.

It should be recalled that the President of Kazakhstan arrived in Washington on 19 February to take part in the inaugural session of the Peace Council. As part of this visit, he held a number of meetings with leaders of foreign countries, as well as with U.S. officials and business representatives.