Bavaria's Leading Trade Relations Shift to Kazakhstan within CIS and Central Asia
Title: Kazakhstan Secures Top Spot as Bavaria's Primary Central Asian Trade Partner
Photo Credits: primeminister.kz
Recently, Kazakhstan has taken the lead as Bavaria's top trading partner in Central Asia, a achievement announced by Bavaria's Minister of Economic Affairs, Regional Development, and Energy, Hubert Aiwanger, at the Kazakh-Bavarian Business Dialogue on April 4th.
According to the Kazakhstan Prime Minister's press service, the gathering marked the final leg of First Deputy Prime Minister Roman Sklyar's visit to Germany, with previous encounters taking place in the state of Hesse.
During the dialogue, heavy hitters from Horsch, Linde Gas AG, and Rhenus shared their experiences conducting business in Kazakhstan, and discussed the country's burgeoning financial and business potential.
At the meeting, Aiwanger celebrated Kazakhstan's economic growth and progress in diversification, pointing to the striking similarities between the Bavarian and Kazakh economies. He also highlighted the scheduled commencement of direct Shymkent-Munich flights at the end of May as a major catalyst for strengthening trade relations.
Sklyar had additional talks with Bavaria's Minister of European and International Affairs, Eric Beißwenger, who displayed keen interest in fostering both commercial and humanitarian ties with Kazakhstan, alongside continued backing for shared initiatives.
Bavaria is the economic crown jewel of Germany, as shown by German statistics revealing that trade between Kazakhstan and Bavaria stood at an impressive €4.7 billion (US$5.1 billion) in 2024, making up almost half of Kazakhstan's overall trade with Germany.
A significant portion of Bavaria's oil supply hails from Kazakhstan, comprising around 50% of the state's oil imports. While Kazakhstan ranks 43rd among Germany's trading partners, it holds a more prominent position for Bavaria, coming in at 21st place, and 15th in Bavarian imports, surpassing Belgium, Turkey, Japan, Vietnam, and South Korea.
These recent developments and future opportunities suggest a growing bond between Bavaria and Kazakhstan, moving beyond the realm of oil and embracing a wider range of industries. As Bavaria's industrial strength and Kazakhstan's strategic Eurasian position align, expectations are high for continued expansion and investment in non-oil sectors.
- In the Kazakh-Bavarian Business Dialogue on April 4th, Roman Sklyar noted the burgeoning financial and business potential of Kazakhstan, a country that has become Bavaria's top trading partner in Central Asia.
- At the meeting, Hubert Aiwanger, Bavaria's Minister of Economic Affairs, Regional Development, and Energy, celebrated Kazakhstan's progress in diversification, pointing to the scheduled commencement of direct Shymkent-Munich flights as a major catalyst for strengthening trade relations.
- Bavaria's oil supply significantly relies on Kazakhstan, with approximately 50% of the state's oil imports coming from Kazakhstan.
- Despite Kazakhstan ranking 43rd among Germany's trading partners, it holds a more prominent position for Bavaria, coming in at 21st place, and 15th in Bavarian imports, surpassing Belgium, Turkey, Japan, Vietnam, and South Korea. These recent developments and future opportunities suggest a growing bond between Bavaria and Kazakhstan, moving beyond the realm of oil and embracing a wider range of industries.
