On May 28, 2025, the Italy Kazakhstan Supply Chain Forum took place in Astana as an official side event of the upcoming Astana International Forum. Organized by ACIK, in partnership with the Embassy of Italy in Kazakhstan, the Ministry of Trade and Integration of Kazakhstan, and the Embassy of Kazakhstan in Italy, the forum reaffirmed its role as a vital platform for institutional and commercial dialogue between the two nations.

The event welcomed over 200 distinguished guests, including government ministers, diplomats, CEOs, and sector leaders, all committed to unlocking new development pathways and strengthening existing partnerships in key industries.

Strategic Objectives

The forum focused on:

• Enhancing supply chain collaboration and reducing logistics costs

• Promoting joint ventures and local production across sectors

• Supporting Kazakhstan’s integration with "Made in Italy" excellence

• Unlocking new projects worth over USD 6 billion in sectors such as agriculture, petrochemicals, machinery, tourism, logistics, and rare earth elements

This year’s forum served as a direct follow-up to the Italy-Kazakhstan Bilateral Forum held in Milan in October 2024 and laid the groundwork for the next edition in Italy, underscoring long-term mutual commitment.

Opening Session

The forum was inaugurated by high-level dignitaries, including:

• H.E. Olzhas Bektenov, Prime Minister of the Republic of Kazakhstan

• Hon. Marco Osnato, President of the Finance Commission of the Italian Chamber of Deputies

• Arman Shakkaliyev, Minister of Trade and Integration of Kazakhstan

• Valentino Valentini, Vice-Minister for Made in Italy (online)

• Edmondo Cirielli, Vice Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Italy (online)

• Renat Bekturov, Governor of AIFC

• Ambassadors and vice-ministers from both countries’ energy, transport, and industrial sectors

The session highlighted the shared vision for sustainable growth and closer industrial alignment between Italy and Kazakhstan.

Panel Discussions and Key Themes

1. Supply Chain and “Made with Italy”

Speakers from MAIRE, KazMunayGas, Eni, Kazakhstan’s Investment Committee, Export Credit Agency, and Confindustria explored topics such as:

• Digitalization and optimization of supply chains

• Joint ventures and export expansion

• Local content development in Kazakhstan

2. Business Cases and Best Practices

Executives from QazTrade, Neos Airlines, Kazakh Tourism, Ansaldo Energia, and Kazakh Invest shared real-world experiences, showcasing success stories of Italian investment in Kazakhstan and Kazakh exports to Italy.

3. Investment and Logistics Synergies

The final panel highlighted tools to support export-import operations, government financing, and public-private partnership opportunities. Key players included Cassa Depositi e Prestiti, Industrial Development Fund, Qazpost, Petrocouncil, and Semurg Invest.

Networking and Bilateral Meetings

Following the business sessions, participants engaged in a networking lunch and direct B2B meetings, creating opportunities for cooperation in engineering, aviation, energy, infrastructure, and green transition.

ACIK’s Commitment

Through this forum, ACIK continues to drive forward its mission of building long-term bridges between Italian and Kazakh companies. With an expanding membership and growing institutional support, ACIK remains a trusted partner for facilitating cross-border trade, investment, and innovation.

Join ACIK and be part of the next chapter