Kazakhstani entrepreneurs struggling to obtain Schengen visa, says PM Bektenov
Kazakhstan’s Premier Olzhas Bektenov and Head of Cooperation of the EU Delegation to Kazakhstan Johannes Baur chaired the 16th meeting of the Kazakhstan-EU dialogue platform with the participation of heads of diplomatic missions of EU member countries as well as heads of a number of leading European industrial companies, Kazinform News Agency cites primeminister.kz.
The EU is a key partner of Kazakhstan on the international stage, with the gross inflow of direct investments from the EU to Kazakhstan totaling over 200 billion US dollars in 2005-2024, which accounts for 47.8% of the total foreign direct investments.
The EU is a major trade and investment partner of Kazakhstan, accounting for more than a third of foreign trade and half of investments in the country. The mutual trade turnover between the EU and Kazakhstan rose 17% last year to almost 50 billion US dollars, said Bektenov.
In a bid to boost trade and economic cooperation, systemic work is underway to create the most favorable business climate to encourage private investments.
The new 2029 Investment Policy Concept aimed at launching a new investment cycle and fulfilling strategic tasks to double the GDP is under implementation.
The digital solutions are being implemented in public administration aimed at de-bureaucratizing and optimizing regulatory procedures. The national digital investment platform as well as websites such as minerals.gov.kz and e-qazyna.kz were launched to provide transparency of licensing processes.
The measures taken are aimed at eliminating barriers to business and liberalizing the economy.
Jointly with Kazakhstan, the 2025/26 strategic partnership roadmap is under development with a focus on concrete actions, including promoting digitalization and geological data management, said Johannes Baur.
On his part, Premier Bektenov pointed to problematic issues facing Kazakhstani entrepreneurs, including visa procedures.
During the recent meeting with domestic entrepreneurs, the issue was raised on difficulties in obtaining a Schengen visa, especially in Lithuania, Germany and Poland. Kazakhstani carriers struggle with a limited number of slots at visa centers, long waiting times, that can take up to two months, as well as issuance of short-term visas – up to three months, significantly hindering their work, said Bektenov.
Following the meeting, the sides confirmed the readiness to further promote mutually beneficial partnership, enhance economic ties and work jointly on new promising initiatives.
Earlier it was reported that the Council of the European Union had appointed Eduards Stiprais as the new EU Special Representative (EUSR) for Central Asia.