Kazakhstan, independent since 1991, stands as the largest and most resource-rich nation in Central Asia, spanning 2.7 million square kilometers—the ninth-largest country globally and roughly five times the size of France.
Economically, Kazakhstan dominates Central Asia, producing over half the region’s GDP. In 2025, its economy grew robustly by approximately 6.4%, driven by oil production surges, manufacturing, construction, and infrastructure investments, with projections to exceed $300 billion in nominal GDP. Rich in hydrocarbons, uranium (world’s top producer, holding 40% of global reserves), and critical minerals, it supplies vital resources to Europe and beyond.
Under President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev, the country pursues diversification through innovation, digitalization (hosting the Digital Bridge forum), and the Astana International Financial Centre.
Astana’s futuristic skyline symbolizes this modernity.
Kazakhstan’s hallmark is its multi-vector foreign policy—a “balancing power” that avoids full alignment with any bloc, engaging Russia (via EAEU and CSTO), China (SCO and BRI), the EU (leading trade partner), Turkey, and the US. This pragmatic approach, often termed “open sovereignty,” positions it as a mediator, hosting processes like the Astana talks on Syria and promoting regional stability.
A key pillar is the Trans-Caspian International Transport Route (TITR or Middle Corridor), bypassing Russia and linking China to Europe via the Caspian Sea, Azerbaijan, and Georgia.
Relations with the EU marked a milestone in 2025 with the 10th anniversary of the Enhanced Partnership and Cooperation Agreement (EPCA), focusing on trade (€49 billion involving Kazakhstan), critical raw materials, green energy, and digital transformation. French ties remain strong in nuclear and oil sectors.
Closer to home, Kazakhstan collaborates with Uzbekistan on joint projects and regional initiatives, fostering a “Central Asian renaissance” through enhanced connectivity and the Green Corridor for sustainable energy.
Through exemplary diplomacy, resource wealth, and strategic positioning, Kazakhstan has emerged as an indispensable pivot, bridging East and West, promoting peace, and driving Eurasian prosperity in an increasingly multipolar world.
Derya Soysal is a Historian and environmental management expert on Central Asia and researcher on Central Asia post-Soviet period.
