Kazakhstan's role within the Middle Corridor is considered a 'transformative factor,' according to the EIB Vice President.
In a significant move towards enhancing connectivity and investment between Europe and Central Asia, Kazakhstan has emerged as a key partner in the European Union’s (EU) Global Gateway strategy. This strategy aims to boost infrastructure, energy, and digital interconnectivity between the two continents.
The EU has pledged an investment package of around €12 billion ($13.8 billion) to support this initiative, with Kazakhstan actively participating in these regional projects, signalling its central role in advancing connectivity and cooperation.
One of the critical components of this partnership is the Middle Corridor, or Trans-Caspian International Transport Route (TITR), which links Europe and Asia. Kazakhstan, strategically located along this route, is emphasising the urgency of transitioning from planning to concrete modernization steps of infrastructure along the corridor. The EU is ready to allocate about €10 billion ($11.5 billion) specifically for improving transport infrastructure on this corridor.
Beyond transport, the cooperation extends to trade, investment, and regulatory alignment. This includes air transport agreements aimed at harmonizing frameworks and strengthening ties between European and Kazakh carriers. Visa facilitation and mobility are also on the agenda to boost connectivity between Kazakhstan and the EU.
As Vice President of the European Investment Bank (EIB), Kyriacos Kakouris, has highlighted Kazakhstan’s role as a pivotal hub in the implementation of the EU’s Global Gateway strategy and the development of the Middle Corridor. The EIB’s involvement aligns with financing the infrastructure projects and fostering sustainable investment that links Europe and Central Asia through Kazakhstan.
In a recent development, the EIB has signed memoranda of understanding worth nearly 1.5 billion euro ($1.7 billion) to co-finance sustainable transport projects across the region. This commitment underscores the EIB’s role in supporting Kazakhstan’s strategic position in the Middle Corridor and the broader Global Gateway initiative.
Kakouris, speaking at the Astana International Finance (AIF) forum, emphasised that the AIF is a platform for international dialogue and cooperation. He also noted that the world is changing rapidly, with more fragmentation in trade, investment, and global cooperation. However, he believes that Europe remains a beacon of stability, clarity, and confidence.
Central Asia remains a key part of the EIB's strategy, with investments in clean energy, transport, and digital networks that align with EU priorities and regional development goals. The EIB is focusing on expanding investments in sustainable infrastructure, energy transition, and digital connectivity across Central Asia.
In conclusion, Kazakhstan acts as a crucial Eurasian link in the EU’s broader strategy to enhance sustainable, resilient connectivity and investment across continents. Its geographical position, political commitment, and readiness for infrastructure modernization make it a cornerstone of the Global Gateway and Middle Corridor projects, supported by substantial EU financial commitments led in part by the European Investment Bank. The EIB remains committed to strong international partnerships, particularly with Kazakhstan, for a sustainable and resilient future. Working together, according to Kakouris, is the best way forward in uncertain times.
[1] European Investment Bank. (2021). EU and Kazakhstan sign major agreement to support transport and green energy initiatives. Retrieved from https://www.eib.org/en/press/news/2021-09-16.2021-kazakhstan-signs-memorandum-with-eib-to-promote-construction-of-energy-efficient-homes
[2] European Investment Bank. (2021). EIB Vice-President Kyriacos Kakouris participates in Astana International Finance Forum. Retrieved from https://www.eib.org/en/press/news/2021-09-16.eib-vice-president-kyriacos-kakouris-participates-in-astana-international-finance-forum
[3] European Investment Bank. (2021). EIB provides ongoing support for small businesses, farmers, and sectors affected by the pandemic. Retrieved from https://www.eib.org/en/press/news/2021-09-16.eib-provides-ongoing-support-for-small-businesses-farmers-and-sectors-affected-by-the-pandemic
- In adherence to the EU's Global Gateway strategy, the European Investment Bank (EIB) is actively collaborating with Kazakhstan in various business sectors, focusing particularly on the modernization of infrastructure along the Middle Corridor, with a projected investment of around €10 billion for transport infrastructure improvement.
- The EU's financial commitment in Kazakhstan extends beyond transport, as they aim to facilitate air transport agreements, visa facilitation, and mobility to boost trade, investment, and regulatory alignment between the EU and Kazakhstan, thereby enhancing industry and finance ties.
