Tokayev proposes resources-technology-industry model to South Korea

September 15, 2026 at 02:48 PM2 min

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Kazakh President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev proposed a resources-technology-industry cooperation model to South Korea at a Kazakh-Korean roundtable in Astana. He invited Korean investment in critical minerals and announced a technology cooperation center for rare metals in Almaty. Tokayev also highlighted energy cooperation, citing Hyundai Engineering's role in the Karachaganak gas processing plant.

Key Facts

Tokayev proposed a resources-technology-industry model for joint development of full value-added chains with South Korea.
A technology cooperation center for rare and rare-earth metals will be established in Almaty.
Hyundai Engineering is playing a key role in the construction of the Karachaganak gas processing plant.
Bilateral trade turnover exceeded $3 billion last year, and Tokayev said it could be doubled.
Total direct investment from South Korea to Kazakhstan has exceeded $12 billion.

Critical Minerals Cooperation

Tokayev said critical minerals have become one of the most strategically important and fastest-growing sectors of the global economy. He invited Korean investment and technological expertise in developing Kazakhstan's mineral resource potential. The proposed model aims to jointly develop full value-added chains from resources to technology to industry. The creation of a technology cooperation center for rare and rare-earth metals in Almaty is described as a logical next step.

Energy Partnership

Tokayev praised the constant interest of Korean companies in Kazakhstan's energy sector. Hyundai Engineering is playing a key role in building the Karachaganak gas processing plant. Tokayev said there is significant potential to expand the partnership into gas processing, petrochemicals, energy infrastructure, and renewable energy. Kazakhstan, the world's largest uranium producer, is ready for mutually beneficial cooperation with Korea on small modular reactors.

Trade and Investment Ties

Tokayev noted that over the past three decades Astana and Seoul have built strong relations based on mutual respect, trust, and sincere friendship. He said Korea is among Kazakhstan's largest trade and investment partners. Bilateral trade turnover exceeded $3 billion last year, and Tokayev said this figure could be doubled with joint efforts. Total direct investment from South Korea to Kazakhstan has exceeded $12 billion.