Brussels discusses Kazakh-Belgian trade-economic coop

The parties focused on the status and prospects of the Kazakh-Belgian trade and economic cooperation. The Belgian Minister who visited Astana last October noted dynamic development of the Kazakhstan economy and the bilateral relations. "We believe in Kazakhstan's future! Your country possesses huge potential and we are optimistic on it", he said and added that Belgium was keen on attraction of the Kazakhstan investments for the implementation of mutually beneficial projects.

According to the Ambassador, development of industrial-innovation projects including port infrastructure, oil and gas and petrochemical industry, nuclear energy, sea transport, small and medium businesses are the most promising directions of cooperation.

The parties also discussed the issues regarding preparation for the events on activation and expansion of the partnership relations in different sectors of economy. As is known a business delegation of Belgium headed by Governor of Antwerp Province Cathy Berx is expected to visit Kazakhstan this autumn. In 2010 Crown Prince of Belgium of Belgium Philippe will make an official visit to our country.

The Belgian Minister supported the Kazakh Ambassador's initiative to organize a business workshop and expressed readiness to provide assistance in establishing contacts with the Belgian companies taking into account Kazakhstan's interests. The point at issue is the enterprises possessing the up-to-date technologies in their sectors of activity. Y. Utembayev spoke for creating a package of investment projects which could be financed by the European Investment Bank.