UK companies are exploring business opportunities in Kazakhstan. Potential investors include a well-known restaurant chain and companies specializing in water technologies, digital infrastructure and artificial intelligence, according to UK Trade Envoy to Azerbaijan and Central Asia John Thomas Alderdice, Baron Alderdice, who spoke with Kursiv.
«I am very optimistic about the outlook for British investment in Kazakhstan. I am aware of a number of UK companies actively exploring opportunities across a broad and diverse range of sectors. For example, an innovative British firm is looking to localize in Kazakhstan, offering solutions to support more efficient water management and infrastructure development, including technologies that can help reduce water loss,» Lord Alderdice said.
He also pointed to the consumer market as another area of business interest for British companies.
«I am also seeing interest from consumer brands, including a well-known UK restaurant chain. At the same time, there is growing engagement from companies working in advanced technologies, digital infrastructure and artificial intelligence,» he added.
While Lord Alderdice did not name the companies, he emphasized that interest in the country is coming not only from major corporations but also from small, fast-growing British firms bringing new technologies and business models.
Critical minerals
According to the UK trade envoy, Kazakhstan’s critical minerals are a key area for bilateral cooperation.
«That commitment is reflected in the recently ratified UK-Kazakhstan Strategic Partnership and Cooperation Agreement. Earlier this year, our two countries also agreed a UK-Kazakhstan Critical Minerals Roadmap, providing a clear framework for deeper collaboration across the value chain,» the lord stated.
He noted that the countries are interested not merely in mineral extraction but also in developing more complex supply chains.
«I think the most exciting opportunities are in processing, innovation, technology transfer and the development of more sophisticated supply chains,» the British trade envoy said.
Earlier this year, the media reported that Kazakhstan plans to open a $30 million rhenium processing plant in Saran, Karaganda region. Meanwhile, Zhezkazganredmet has already signed a $107 million five-year offtake contract with the British firm Maritime House Ltd.
In addition, the British company Ferro-Alloy Resources is developing a vanadium mining and processing project at the Balasauskandyk deposit in the Kyzylorda region. The project is valued at $520 million.
Artificial intelligence
Lord Alderdice also highlighted the prospects for collaboration on AI development.
«Artificial intelligence has the potential to become one of the most exciting new areas of UK-Kazakhstan cooperation. There are many opportunities for collaboration across a wide range of areas, from research and skills development to the practical use of AI in sectors such as energy, finance, healthcare, education and public services,» he said.
The trade envoy also invited Kazakhstani specialists in AI and new technologies to participate in the UK government’s Chevening Scholarship program, which fully funds master’s degree studies in the UK for young leaders worldwide.
«I hope to see more talented specialists from Kazakhstan study at leading UK universities, build lasting links with British institutions and experts, and help drive innovation in both our countries,» the member of the House of Lords highlighted.
Leading British universities have also been entering the Kazakhstani market in recent years. In February, Kazakhstan and the UK announced plans to expand British educational institutions in the country, including opening a Coventry University campus in Almaty, launching a Cardiff University AI center in Astana, and establishing a new Heriot-Watt University campus in Aktobe.
Trans-Caspian route
The UK representative also highlighted the importance of the Trans-Caspian International Transport Route, which connects China and Europe through Kazakhstan.
«The UK has strong expertise in infrastructure planning, engineering, design, project finance, logistics and professional services. These are all areas that can support Kazakhstan’s ambitions to develop modern, efficient and resilient transport infrastructure,» Lord Alderdice said.
Opportunities are also emerging in the aviation sector. Airport development, fleet expansion and growing air connectivity are creating conditions for cooperation with companies such as Rolls-Royce and Airbus, Alderdice emphasized.
Finally, the trade envoy pointed out that the London Stock Exchange can be a natural destination for Kazakh companies seeking international capital, as the exchange offers access to deep pools of global investors, world-class expertise and a strong track record of supporting ambitious companies.
