Corporate, Industries & Invest in Kazakhstan

India & Kazakhstan — Deepen Business Cooperation Through Shymkent Forum

September 2026Incredible Kazakhstan2 min read

India and Kazakhstan are expanding business-to-business engagement through a new round of commercial discussions in Shymkent, bringing together government representatives, industry leaders and entrepreneurs from both countries. The India–Kazakhstan Business Forum was organised by the Embassy of India in Kazakhstan in cooperation with the Akimat of Shymkent City. The forum brought together more than 50 participants from India and Kazakhstan, providing a platform to identify opportunities for trade, investment and wider economic cooperation. The event was also supported by a multisectoral delegation from the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII), representing businesses from several Indian states. Dialogue with Shymkent’s Leadership The Indian business delegation, led by Ambassador Y. K. Sailas Thangal, met with Gabit Syzdykbekov, Akim of Shymkent City, to discuss opportunities for strengthening commercial relations.

The discussions focused on Shymkent’s economic potential and areas where Indian companies could develop partnerships with local businesses. The engagement highlighted the importance of direct interaction between regional authorities and businesses in converting bilateral economic ambitions into practical projects. Shymkent, one of Kazakhstan’s major urban and industrial centres, offers opportunities across manufacturing, trade, logistics and other sectors. Greater engagement with Indian companies could contribute to the city’s efforts to attract investment, technology and international business partnerships.

Business-to-Business Engagement

The forum provided an opportunity for Indian and Kazakh companies to establish direct commercial contacts. Business-to-business meetings enabled participants to exchange information about their respective markets and explore potential partnerships. The CII delegation also undertook visits to industrial facilities in Shymkent, including the Ontustik Industrial Zone, Ontustik Special Economic Zone and Zhuldyz Industrial Zone. These visits provided Indian representatives with a closer understanding of the city’s industrial capabilities and investment environment. The delegation additionally visited an exhibition showcasing locally produced Kazakh goods, offering Indian participants an opportunity to learn more about products manufactured in the region.

Creating New Avenues for Commercial Partnership

The Shymkent engagement forms part of a broader effort to diversify and deepen India–Kazakhstan economic relations. Business forums and industrial visits can help companies move beyond general discussions toward identifying specific areas for collaboration. For Indian businesses, Kazakhstan offers access to a strategically positioned market in Central Asia, while Kazakh companies can benefit from India’s expertise across manufacturing, technology, pharmaceuticals, infrastructure and other sectors. The Shymkent forum therefore represents another step toward building stronger business networks between the two countries.