The 9th meeting of the Israel-Kazakhstan Joint Commission on Trade and Economic Cooperation took place earlier today (Tuesday, July 12th, 2022) in Nur-Sultan, Kazakhstan. The Commission sought to foster the bilateral relationship and trade between the two countries. 

Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Trade and Integration Mr. Bakhyt Sultanov and the Israel Minister of Tourism, Mr. Yoel Razvozov chaired the Joint Commission. 

The Joint Commission was conducted in a hybrid format and was led by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Economics Division. In addition to the MFA representatives, the Joint Commission included participants from the ministries of Agriculture, Energy, Trade and Industry and Health. Also participated: ASHRA- The Israel Export Insurance Corporation, National Cyber Directorate, Water Authority and Israel's Space Agency. The delegations discussed ways of expanding and diversifying trade and economic cooperation.

In his opening remarks at the committee gathering, Minister Razvozov reiterated the invitation to the President of Kazhakstan, Mr. Kassym-Jomart Tokayev, to visit Israel.

The participants emphasized the importance of advancing existing plans in different fields as well as developing joint ventures in multiple economic sectors such as agriculture, renewable energy, cyber security and health. The committee work will create business opportunities for Israeli companies and will be a platform for cooperation. 

The Deputy Director General of the Economic Affairs Division, Ambassador Yael Ravia-Zadok, affirmed following the signature of the protocol that: “The 9th meeting of the Joint Commission enables the two governments to advance issues of mutual interest and push forward practices set to expand trade and cooperation between Israel and Kazakhstan.”

During his visit to Kazakhstan, Minister Razvozov met with Prime Minister of Kazakhstan Alikhan Smailov, the Chairman of the Senate Foreign Affairs Committee, the Minister of Culture and Sports (responsible for the tourism portfolio), the Minister of Agriculture, and the Minister of Ecology and Natural Resources (responsible for the water portfolio). Minister Razvozov discussed the possibility of importing wheat and flour to Israel and addressed the prospect of establishing direct flights between the two countries. 

Minister of Tourism Razvozov: "Kazakhstan is a true friend and an important partner of Israel in Central Asia. I believe that there is big potential for expanding our economic cooperation. As a co-chair of the committee, I intend to further promote our bilateral relations."

Kazakhstan, one of the leading countries in the region, is among the 10 largest wheat exporters in the world and the second largest oil supplier to the State of Israel.
This year Israel and Kazakhstan mark 30 years since the establishment of diplomatic relations