Foreign media on Kazakhstan: Kazakhstan, Guinea-Bissau eye to connect West Africa with Trans-Caspian International Transport Corridor; Kazakhstan's eGov revolution
From recent news about Kazakhstan and Guinea-Bissau exploring ways to link the Trans-Caspian International Transport Corridor to West Africa, China planning to build a wheat processing plant in the Akmola region, and the Digital Kazakhstan initiative reshaping the country’s public services and economy, Kazinform News Agency presents a weekly review of Kazakhstan’s coverage in foreign media.
Trend News Agency: Kazakhstan, Guinea-Bissau eye to connect West Africa with Trans-Caspian International Transport Corridor
Kazakhstan and Guinea-Bissau have agreed to explore ways to link the port of Bissau with the Trans-Caspian International Transport Corridor in West Africa, Trend reports.
This was announced by the President of the Republic of Kazakhstan, Kassym-Jomart Tokayev, during a briefing for the media representatives following extended-format talks with the President of Guinea-Bissau, Umaro Sissoco Embaló.
“As a result of bilateral negotiations, we have reached important agreements. This visit will contribute to further strengthening cooperation in political, trade-economic, cultural-humanitarian, and other spheres. Our countries are interested in maximizing the potential of the transport and logistics sector. We have agreed to explore ways to link the port of Bissau with the Trans-Caspian International Transport Corridor in West Africa,” said Tokayev.
According to Kassym-Jomart Tokayev, one of the main topics of the talks was partnership in agriculture. The parties noted that Kazakhstan has significant potential for exporting grain crops to Guinea-Bissau.
Tokayev also invited the delegation of Guinea-Bissau to participate in the Astana International Forum, which will be held next year.
For his part, Umaro Sissoco Embaló focused on the potential for strengthening cooperation in several sectors.
“Kazakhstan and Guinea-Bissau have the necessary mechanisms to activate cooperation in areas such as natural resource exploration, education, and hydrocarbon exports,” said the President of Guinea-Bissau.
To note, on December 18, the President of Guinea-Bissau, Umaro Sissoco Embaló, arrived on an official visit to Kazakhstan, during which several agreements were signed between Kazakhstan and Guinea-Bissau.
The Times of Central Asia: China to build wheat processing plant in Kazakhstan’s Akmola region
According to the Times of Central Asia, China’s Dalian Hesheng Holdings Group Co., Ltd. plans to establish a vertically integrated industrial park for the deep processing of wheat in Kazakhstan’s Akmola region. The project was discussed on December 18 during a meeting between Kazakhstan’s Prime Minister Olzhas Bektenov and a delegation from the Chinese company.
Investments in the project will total $500-$800 million for the initial phase, with an additional $1 billion planned for the second and third phases. The plant will process 1 million tons of wheat annually during the first phase, with capacity increasing to 3 million tons per year in subsequent phases. The initiative is expected to create approximately 2,000 jobs. Construction is set to begin in the second quarter of 2025.
The project will also include the construction of a coal-fired thermal power plant and a coal chemical complex capable of producing 150,000–400,000 tons of liquid ammonia annually.
Prime Minister Olzhas Bektenov underscored the importance of enhancing wheat processing and expanding the production of high-value-added products. He directed government agencies to expedite the signing of an investment agreement with Dalian Hesheng Holdings.
Kazakhstan has significant potential in deep grain processing, harvesting 16-17 million tons of grain annually. More than 260 different high-value-added products, such as bioethanol, gluten, and animal feed, can be derived from processed grain.
Euro News: Kazakhstan's eGov revolution: How digital services are transforming the economy and society
Kazakhstan’s Digital Kazakhstan initiative is reshaping public services and the economy. With 80% of services now automated and 120,000 jobs created, the program has revolutionised accessibility and efficiency, Euro News reports.
The country’s eGov portal provides seamless online services for citizens and businesses, while KazPost is expanding its logistics capabilities to reach rural areas and global markets.
In addition, Kazakhstan’s introduction of the Neo Nomad Visa aims to attract skilled digital professionals and position the country as a hub for innovation and growth in Central Asia.
The country’s eGov portal provides seamless online services for citizens and businesses, while KazPost is expanding its logistics capabilities to reach rural areas and global markets.
In addition, Kazakhstan’s introduction of the Neo Nomad Visa aims to attract skilled digital professionals and position the country as a hub for innovation and growth in Central Asia.
Amu TV: Kazakhstan eyes role in Afghanistan railway development
Kazakh companies are preparing to supply rails and other materials for the construction of future railways in Afghanistan, Deputy Minister of Transport Maksat Kaliakparov announced at the Transport and Logistics Market international conference and Global Avia Day forum in Astana, Amu TV reports.
Kaliakparov highlighted the strategic importance of Afghanistan in Kazakhstan’s infrastructure plans, calling the country a “very promising” direction within the broader North-South international transport corridor.
“This is a continuation of the North-South international transport corridor,” he said. “We consider this direction to be very promising, and one of the first sections under development is in the Herat province.”
Kazakh Company Integra, which has already played a role in Afghanistan’s infrastructure projects, is poised to expand its contributions. The firm previously completed a railway connecting Afghanistan and Iran, a project funded with Afghan resources.
“We aim to build on this experience,” Kaliakparov said. “Currently, negotiations are focused on material supply for the initial phase of the project.”
Kazakhstan remains one of the few countries that have removed the Taliban from its list of designated terrorist organizations, a move that facilitates greater engagement in Afghanistan.
The North-South international transport corridor aims to connect Central Asia with the Middle East, offering enhanced trade and logistics opportunities. Kazakhstan’s involvement in Afghanistan’s railway projects marks a step forward in regional connectivity, with Herat province serving as a critical node in these plans.
You can read last week’s weekly digest of what foreign media posted about Kazakhstan here.
