At the Astana Finance Days 2026, speakers discussed how Kazakhstan can move beyond its traditional role as a transit country and become a regional hub for production, trade and investment.
At one of the biggest financial forums in Central Asia, Euronews moderated a panel focusing on Kazakhstan drive to turn its position at the heart of Eurasia into more than a transit advantage, by developing logistics, manufacturing and investment.
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Infrastructure investor Nurzhan Marabayev said efficient, transparent and competitive logistics could unlock new projects across Central Asia. Kazakhstan has relatively low labour, resource and construction costs, he noted, but expensive logistics remain a challenge for the landlocked country.
Airport director Meruyert Zholdybayeva highlighted the potential of multimodal transport, citing a China-Europe route that moves goods from Shenzhen to Europe in seven days. She said Aktau could eventually become a major hub combining rail, sea and air links.
Manufacturing is also expanding. Alima Issembayeva said production rose from 2.3 trillion tenge in 2021 to almost 4 trillion in 2025, while exports more than doubled between 2021 and 2024.
Trade expert Ilya Urazakov cited Kazakhstan’s FDI record and natural resources as key advantages, while Professor Tom Vinaimont stressed the need for currency hedging and predictable financing.