JCC at 11th Kazakhstan-Switzerland Mixed Intergovernmental Commission

The 11th meeting of the Kazakh-Swiss Intergovernmental Commission on Trade and Economic Cooperation took place in Astana, Kazakhstan on June 27, 2023. JCC was represented at the meeting by Marcel Pawlicek, President. Michael Kühn, JCC Board Member and Senior Consultant, Central Asia, Switzerland Global Enterprise (SGE) also participated in the Swiss delegation.

The Co-Chairs of the Commission, Deputy Prime Minister – Minister of Trade and Integration of Kazakhstan Serik Zhumangarin and Federal Council Delegate for Trade Agreements, Ambassador Erwin Bollinger discussed the current state and prospects of bilateral trade and economic relations. The parties discussed cooperation in various industries, including veterinary medicine, agriprocessing and civil aviation. They also examined topics of technical regulation and standardization, energy, science and education, intellectual property protection, digitalization, venture investments and startups.

In addition to JCC other Swiss companies participated.  SGS and Clariant showcased their partnerships in Kazakhstan.  Bartholet AG, a manufacturer of cable cars, proposed a transport solution for Almaty.

Switzerland is an important trading partner of Kazakhstan. Kazakhstan exports energy carriers and metals to Switzerland; Switzerland supplies chemical, pharmaceutical products and various technical equipment to Kazakhstan. Switzerland is also the third largest foreign investor in Kazakhstan, primarily in the mining and metallurgical, agricultural, chemical, pharmaceutical, mechanical engineering and tobacco industries.

Following the meeting, the parties agreed to continue bilateral cooperation by addressing open issues and implementing new joint investment projects.