Tokayev Touts U.S. Partnership, Energy and Investment Opportunities at New York Business Roundtable
NEW YORK, Sept. 27 — Kazakh President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev, on a working visit to New York, addressed a roundtable with leading U.S. business representatives, underscoring Kazakhstan’s deepening strategic ties with Washington and its commitment to attracting more American investment.
Tokayev called the U.S. a “key strategic partner,” praising President Donald Trump’s “results-oriented diplomacy” in easing global tensions. He highlighted that American companies have invested more than $100 billion in Kazakhstan, with over 630 U.S. firms — including Chevron, ExxonMobil, Boeing, Visa, Mastercard, Meta, Wabtec, and Citibank — operating successfully in the country.
“Our goal is to build an economy based on knowledge and innovation, underpinned by digital transformation,” Tokayev said, noting that Kazakhstan’s economy grew 6.5% in the first eight months of 2025.
Energy and Critical Minerals: Cornerstones of Cooperation
Energy remains the foundation of U.S.-Kazakh cooperation. Tokayev reaffirmed support for Chevron and ExxonMobil’s long-standing role in the country’s oil sector, particularly at Tengiz, Kashagan, and Karachaganak. He stressed Kazakhstan’s commitment to diversifying its energy export routes amid shifting regional geopolitics.
The president also spotlighted Kazakhstan’s pivotal role in the uranium market — supplying 40% of global demand and about 24% of U.S. uranium imports. While advancing clean energy, Tokayev defended coal as a “reliable and secure source” given that it still accounts for more than 70% of Kazakhstan’s power generation.
He further emphasized Kazakhstan’s reserves of critical raw materials such as copper, tungsten, lithium, graphite, and zinc — key to high-tech industries — and invited more U.S. investment in mining, where global giants like Ivanhoe and Rio Tinto are already active.
Strengthening Strategic Platforms
Tokayev urged deeper cooperation through the C5+1 (Central Asia–U.S.) and B5+1 (business-focused) platforms, positioning Kazakhstan as a regional hub for trade, investment, and innovation.
