At the IN Diplomacy Trade Talk Series, the Kazakh Embassy outlined trade dynamics, logistics advantages, and new bilateral frameworks set to enhance commercial ties.
SINGAPORE, 30 June 2025 – As part of the IN Diplomacy Trade Talk Series, the Embassy of Kazakhstan in Singapore shared key insights into the current state and future potential of trade relations between Kazakhstan and Singapore, addressing economic trends, bilateral agreements, and sectoral opportunities.
Q. What are the top traded items between Kazakhstan and other countries?
Kazakhstan’s main exports include crude oil, natural gas, ferrous metals, uranium, copper, wheat, and oilseeds, primarily destined for China, the EU, Russia, and Central Asian nations. Imports comprise machinery, vehicles, chemicals, pharmaceuticals, and consumer goods from countries such as Russia, China, Germany, and South Korea. The government is actively promoting diversification, especially in agriculture, to reduce reliance on extractives.
Kazakhstan also plays a key logistical role in Eurasia, with around 80% of Asia-Europe overland transit crossing its territory. The Middle Corridor (Trans-Caspian International Transport Route) reduces freight time significantly compared to maritime routes. Infrastructure investments under China’s Belt and Road Initiative and the EU’s Global Gateway enhance Kazakhstan’s standing as a critical trade and transit hub.
Q: What are the positives and bottlenecks of trading with Kazakhstan?
Kazakhstan’s geographic position at the heart of Eurasia, its substantial natural resources, and its membership in the Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU) offer exporters and investors preferential access to a market of over 180 million people. Additional incentives include investment-friendly legislation, designated Special Economic Zones (SEZs), and customs digitisation to streamline procedures.
However, challenges include Kazakhstan’s landlocked position, which makes it dependent on neighbouring transit routes. Though regulatory frameworks have improved with WTO and EAEU reforms, procedural complexity and limited global awareness of Kazakhstan’s trade potential remain bottlenecks for foreign businesses.
Q: What are the current traded items between Singapore and Kazakhstan?
As of 2024, bilateral trade reached USD 924.6 million, with Kazakhstan exporting USD 854.6 million worth of goods to Singapore. Major Kazakh exports include crude oil, petroleum products, ferroalloys, metals, and agricultural commodities.
Singapore’s exports to Kazakhstan totalled USD 70 million and primarily included machinery, precision instruments, electronics, pharmaceuticals, and chemical products. The trade balance reflects Kazakhstan’s resource strength and Singapore’s high-tech and processing capabilities.
Q: What products would you like to see from Singapore in Kazakhstan?
There is increasing interest in importing advanced industrial equipment, pharmaceutical and biotech products, and smart urban solutions from Singapore. The Kazakh market is also open to educational technology, digital financial systems, and sustainable consumer goods.
Singapore’s experience in water management, urban planning, and clean technologies aligns with Kazakhstan’s sustainable development agenda, while digital education tools and consumer electronics are sought after in Kazakhstan’s growing middle-class market.
Q: Are there any trade agreements or initiatives that can facilitate trade between Singapore and Kazakhstan?
Yes, the Kazakhstan–Singapore Agreement on Trade in Services and Investment (S&I Agreement), which came into force in March 2025, improves market access, strengthens investor protections, and reduces trade barriers. A Joint Committee under this agreement is being formed to facilitate ongoing cooperation.
Beyond that, the Kazakhstan–Singapore Business Council (KSBC) and Kazakh Invest’s Singapore office are key platforms to promote bilateral business development. These channels aim to ease entry into each other’s markets and drive investment growth.
Q: Are there opportunities for collaboration in the digital economy, such as e-commerce or fintech?
Absolutely. Kazakhstan and Singapore are natural partners in the digital space. There is strong interest in developing cross-border e-commerce platforms for SMEs, fintech applications, cybersecurity services, and blockchain solutions for trade logistics and certification.
Kazakhstan’s digital infrastructure is advancing rapidly, and the government supports innovation in smart cities and digital education. Combined with Singapore’s global leadership in digital technology, there is ample room for cooperation in shaping next-generation services across both economies.
Q: What support or resources are available for Singaporean companies looking to trade with Kazakhstan?
Singapore-based companies can access support through Kazakh Invest’s regional office in Singapore, business missions by the Singapore Business Federation, and direct facilitation from the Kazakhstan–Singapore Business Council. These bodies provide guidance, networking, and promotional platforms.
Additionally, the Embassy of Kazakhstan in Singapore offers B2B matchmaking, regulatory briefings, and liaison with Kazakh authorities. Investors are also eligible for preferential incentives within Kazakhstan’s SEZs, including tax breaks and streamlined customs.
Q: What products can Singapore traders source from Kazakhstan to leverage on tariffs and costs?
Singaporean traders benefit from tariff advantages on Kazakh exports such as wheat, flour, meat (chilled or frozen), vegetable oil, uranium, and ferroalloys. These goods are competitively priced due to Kazakhstan’s cost structures and resource availability.
In addition, copper, rare earth elements, organic-certified foods, and chemicals offer strong value propositions for Singapore-based processors and re-exporters. These imports support Singapore’s role as a value-adding trade hub in the region.
Q: Is there a department in the Embassy that handles enquiries, and how can you help Singapore companies to increase trade with Kazakhstan?
Yes. The Economic Section of the Embassy of Kazakhstan in Singapore is responsible for trade facilitation and business development. It provides customised consultations, market briefings, and B2B connections tailored to sectoral needs.
The section also supports Singaporean firms with event participation, trade fair coordination, and assistance on visas and official documentation. By liaising with Kazakh agencies and offering regulatory guidance, the embassy plays a vital role in advancing economic relations between the two countries.
