BAKU, Azerbaijan, June 16. Kazakhstan is Canada’s largest commercial partner in the Central Asia region, particularly in natural resources and agriculture, Jason Kung, Spokesperson for Global Affairs Canada, told TurkicWorld.

"In 2022, bilateral trade between Canada and Kazakhstan surpassed a billion Canadian dollars ($750.1 million). In recent years, bilateral trade has mainly been driven by an increase in Canadian imports," he said.

According to the spokesperson, when it comes to exports, machinery, and vehicles accounted for about 80 percent of Canadian exports to Kazakhstan. This can be attributed to the applicability of Canadian equipment and technology to Kazakhstan’s extractive industries and agriculture.

"The Kazakhstan-Canada Business Council, created in 2015 and co-chaired by Saskatoon-based uranium miner, Cameco, has been a testament to the economic ties between countries," he added.

Furthermore, the spokesperson elaborated on the local Canadian institutions aimed at facilitating cooperation with international organizations and markets.

"The Trade Commissioner Service (TCS) provides Canadian companies with market information and assistance in finding local buyers and partners; organizes various value-added events with participation from industry and government stakeholders from both sides. The TCS also plays an advocating role for Canadian companies in international markets and negotiates various trade agreements to facilitate and protect Canadian investments," Kung said.

He went on to add that Canada’s Embassy funds a number of projects through the Canada Fund for Local Initiatives (CFLI) and continues to encourage Kazakhstan’s commitment to democratic reforms notably by contributing to the OSCE’s election observation mission to parliamentary elections in March 2023 and presidential elections in November 2022.

"The Government of Canada will continue to work with international and domestic partners to achieve our ambitious climate and international development commitments, and establish Canada as the global supplier of choice for clean energy in a net-zero world," he said.