KUALA LUMPUR, Sept 18 — Bilateral trade revenue for Kazakhstan and Malaysia is expected to increase significantly to US$1 billion (RM4.20 billion) annually in the next three to four years.
The Central Asian nation's Trade and Integration Minister Arman Shakkaliev said that in the first half of 2025, bilateral trade turnover increased by almost 46 per cent, reaching US$98.9 million (RM414.98 million) compared to the same period of the previous year.
Kazakhstan’s exports to Malaysia more than tripled, amounting to US$2.8 million (RM11.75 million), while imports exceeded US$96.1 million (RM403.24 million).
“These figures clearly demonstrate the mutual interest of our business communities and the potential for further cooperation,” he told Bernama during the Malaysia International Halal Showcase (Mihas) 2025 today.
Shakkaliev added that Kazakhstan traditionally exports ores and metals, coal, and products of the agro-industrial complex.
“At the same time, Malaysia’s main export positions to Kazakhstan remain palm oil, coffee and tea extracts, household appliances, and electronics.
“This confirms the existence of broad opportunities for diversification and deepening of cooperation,” he said.
The minister emphasised that Kazakhstan today has every opportunity to significantly expand the supply of non-resource goods to Malaysia.
“We see promising areas in metallurgy, the food industry, mechanical engineering, the chemical sector, transport, and construction materials.
“The total export potential of Kazakhstani products to Malaysia is estimated at over US$30 million (RM125.88 million),” Shakkaliev said.
He noted that Malaysia is one of Kazakhstan’s key partners in Southeast Asia and a gateway to Asean countries.
At Mihas 2025, Shakkaliev announced that a trade and economic mission from Kazakhstan to Malaysia is of particular importance, as it is being held for the first time.
“A delegation of 20 Kazakhstan companies has arrived in Kuala Lumpur, representing a wide range of products: meat and meat products, natural honey, flour and pasta, vegetable oils, powdered camel milk, and non-alcoholic beverages, as well as products in the segments of personal care and cosmetics, household chemicals, and textiles.
“Such a composition reflects Kazakhstan’s aspiration not only to expand non-resource exports but also to offer its partners value-added goods that meet the growing demand for high-quality and environmentally friendly products,” he said in his keynote speech.
Kazakhstan’s participation in Mihas 2025 with a national pavilion provides ample opportunities for showcasing competitive products and establishing partnerships with Malaysian importers, distributors, and retail chains.
Meanwhile, Malaysia External Trade Development Corporation (Matrade) chairman Datuk Seri Reezal Merican Naina Merican said the importance of bilateral ties is reflected in the encouraging trade performance achieved last year.
“In 2024, Malaysia’s total trade with Kazakhstan reached US$142.0 million (RM595.83 million) — an increase of 35.7 per cent. Our exports also witnessed an increase of 13.4 per cent to US$116.2 million (RM487.58 million).
“Imports from Kazakhstan showed a significant leap, with an increase of over 1,000 per cent amounting to US$25.8 million (RM108.26 million),” he said in his speech.
As such, within Central Asia, Kazakhstan stands out as Malaysia’s number one trading partner, top export destination, and top import source — clearly underscoring its pivotal role as Malaysia’s key economic partner in the region.
“For Mihas 2025 edition, this commitment is further evident through the participation of nine Kazakh companies in the International Sourcing Programme (INSP) Mihas 2025.
“In addition, the involvement of 19 Kazakh companies as Mihas exhibitors reflects their strong determination to explore new business opportunities and further expand their presence in this dynamic market,” Reezal said.
Today also witnessed the exchange of a memorandum of understanding (MoU) between Matrade and QazTrade, Kazakhstan’s national development institute for the promotion of non-resource exports.
This milestone agreement lays a solid foundation for deepening trade facilitation, sharing market intelligence, and enhancing collaboration between business communities.
