Kazakhstan and Armenia Strengthen Their Bilateral Ties with Focus on Trade, Industrial Cooperation and Tourism Growth Through its New Initiatives

Published on November 22, 2025

During recent talks between the heads of government of Kazakhstan and Armenia, both nations reviewed the status of trade and economic cooperation and discussed the implementation of agreements reached after the discussions with Kazakh President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev. The focus of the meeting encompassed a wide range of sectors: agriculture, industrial cooperation, transport, digitalization, space industry, tourism, and cultural projects.

The Kazakh-Armenian Business Forum and Exhibition serve as confirmation of the expanding economic relationship between Kazakhstan and Armenia. With a focus on collaboration, innovation, and mutual growth, the two countries are positioned to gain further economic development and tourism in the region from their complementary strengths. The direct flight connection between Kazakhstan and Armenia will enhance both tourism and business opportunities, while the emphasis on agriculture and eco-tourism offers the opportunity for long-term sustainable growth.

Bilateral Trade: Growth and Future Prospects

A major point of discussion was the impressive growth in bilateral trade, which has increased by sixfold over the past five years. Kazakhstan-Armenia trade turnover surged from $14.2 million in 2020 to $82.8 million in 2024, with the total trade turnover for January-September 2025 reaching $41.6 million. This growth is a testament to the strong economic ties being forged between the two countries and the effectiveness of their ongoing trade initiatives.

Both sides discussed plans to further boost trade, including the implementation of a 2026-2030 Roadmap for Trade Growth, which aims to expand trade further, with a particular focus on creating joint production facilities in special economic zones. The roadmap also emphasizes business cooperation, leveraging Kazakhstan’s Export Credit Agency to support the growth of exports in key sectors, including metallurgical, petrochemical, and food products, which are projected to total approximately $350 million in additional exports.

Agriculture and Agri-Processing: Opportunities for Cooperation

Agriculture plays a significant role in the growing trade between Kazakhstan and Armenia, with both nations seeing opportunities to mutually benefit from agricultural exports. Kazakhstan, with its vast agricultural production capabilities, is particularly interested in exporting high-quality grain to Armenia. In return, Kazakhstan is interested in importing fresh fruits, early vegetables, and nuts from Armenia to supply its domestic market, particularly during the off-season, at competitive prices.

In 2024, the trade turnover in agricultural products grew by 7.7%, reaching $9.7 million, with the figures showing an impressive 35.2% year-over-year increase in 2025. This reflects not only the growing demand for agricultural products between the two countries but also the potential for further investment in agri-processing and value-added products.

Industrial Cooperation and Joint Projects

In addition to agriculture, the leaders also focused on industrial cooperation, particularly in the areas of mechanical engineering, metallurgy, light industry, and electrical goods such as batteries and transformers. So far, over 27,000 units of these products have been exported, indicating strong demand for industrial products from both countries. The two sides also highlighted the potential for creating joint ventures aimed at processing raw materials and producing finished goods, further fostering economic integration.

Infrastructure and Digitalization: Boosting Connectivity

In addition to agriculture and industry, the leaders also focused on transport and logistics, exploring new integration opportunities between Central Asia and the South Caucasus. The discussion emphasized the importance of logistics centers in Kazakhstan, which will help increase road freight volume and improve supply chain efficiency between the two regions.

Digitalization is another area of focus, with both countries committing to advancing their cooperation in technology and innovation. The key priorities include the development of artificial intelligence (AI), GovTech, and the export of IT technologies. Additionally, technology parks are being scaled up to foster innovation in both countries, with educational initiatives supporting the development of the digital economy.

In particular, the upcoming TUMO Ventures branch in Astana, Kazakhstan, is set to play a pivotal role in nurturing a new generation of tech entrepreneurs and innovators.

Tourism: Direct Flights and Mountain Tourism Development

One of the most exciting developments to emerge from these talks was the introduction of direct flights between Kazakhstan and Armenia, which is set to enhance tourism between the two countries. With four weekly flights planned, the new air link will make it easier for travelers to visit key cultural and natural attractions in both countries.

In addition, Kazakhstan is investing in the development of mountain tourism, with the Almaty Mountain Cluster—a world-class resort—set to become a major tourist draw. This resort, which will be a key part of Kazakhstan’s tourism growth, is expected to attract visitors from across the globe, creating more opportunities for cross-border tourism between Kazakhstan and Armenia.

The new flight connections and tourism collaborations between the two nations will also make it easier for tourists to access other shared destinations. For example, eco-tourism and cultural tourism will continue to grow as focal points for both countries, with opportunities for tourists to visit natural wonders like Lake Sevan in Armenia and mountainous regions in Kazakhstan.

Strengthening the Bilateral Relationship

The forum concluded with both governments reaffirming their commitment to implementing the agreements reached and further enhancing their cooperation. The collaboration between Kazakhstan and Armenia in tourism, agriculture, industry, and digital technologies is poised to generate new opportunities for economic growth and cultural exchange. The introduction of direct flights, expansion of tourism infrastructure, and increased investment in agriculture and industry are key to realizing the potential of this partnership.

Tourism Impact: Enhancing the Visitor Experience

The tourism sector is one of the most promising areas of bilateral cooperation. The direct flights and improved transportation infrastructure will facilitate tourism growth, enabling more visitors from both countries to explore each other’s cultural and natural offerings. With the focus on eco-tourism and mountain tourism, both countries are positioning themselves as attractive destinations for adventure seekers, culture enthusiasts, and nature lovers.

For Kazakhstan, the growing emphasis on luxury resorts and mountain tourism, including the Almaty Mountain Cluster, represents a strong opportunity to attract international tourists to its undiscovered gems. Armenia, with its rich cultural heritage, including historic churches, ancient monasteries, and vibrant festivals, offers tourists a mix of cultural, historical, and natural experiences. The growing bilateral cooperation between Kazakhstan and Armenia in tourism will increase tourist flows and contribute to sustainable economic growth in both nations.

Enhancing Tourism and Economic Relations Between Kazakhstan and Armenia

Accordingly, while the two countries continue to work together on shared goals, they will undoubtedly strengthen their economic resilience and create new avenues for cooperation across sectors. The future indeed looks bright for Kazakhstan and Armenia, with the possibility of growth in tourism and trade to finally benefit the local communities and make the region an increasingly attractive destination for global investors and tourists alike. The discussions came as both countries have moved strongly in the direction of strengthening bilateral relations between themselves, with a view to boosting mutual growth and promoting sustainable economic and social development. This meeting was important to show the rise of economic interdependence between these two nations and the key role of tourism in fostering closer cultural and economic relations.