Bavaria's Main Trading Ally in the CIS and Central Asia Now Being Kazakhstan
astep together in strengthening their economic ties. Bavarian Minister of Economic Affairs, Regional Development, and Energy Hubert Aiwanger recently proclaimed Kazakhstan as Bavaria's leading trading partner in Central Asia. This groundbreaking announcement came during the Kazakh-Bavarian Business Dialogue roundtable on April 4, 2024.
Photo Credit: primeminister.kz
The event, attended by a Kazakh delegation led by First Deputy Prime Minister Roman Sklyar, was a continuation of meetings in Hesse, Germany. During the roundtable, representatives from prominent companies such as Horsch, Linde Gas AG, and Rhenus shared their experiences and explored Kazakhstan's burgeoning financial and business potential.
Aiwanger lauded Kazakhstan's economic advancements and ongoing diversification initiatives, emphasizing the strong synergies between the Bavarian and Kazakh economies. An essential move, he underscored, will be the launch of direct Shymkent-Munich flights at the end of May 2025.
Sklyar also held talks with Bavaria's European and International Affairs Minister Eric Beißwenger, who expressed keen interest in expanding commercial and humanitarian ties with Kazakhstan and pledged ongoing support for joint ventures.
Bavaria, Germany's frontrunner in economic development, recorded €4.7 billion (US$5.1 billion) in bilateral trade with Kazakhstan in 2024, accounting for nearly half of Kazakhstan's total trade with Germany.
Kazakhstan's oil exports account for approximately 50% of Bavaria's oil imports. While Kazakhstan ranks 43rd in Germany's overall trading partners, it occupies the 21st spot for Bavaria and the 15th position in Bavaria's import volume, surpassing Belgium, Turkey, Japan, Vietnam, and South Korea.
As Bavaria and Kazakhstan continue to deepen their partnership, it's clear that Kazakhstan stands as a vital player in Bavaria's economic landscape. The upcoming flights and potential collaborations across diverse sectors like renewable energy, digital infrastructure, and transport logistics reinforce this growing bond.
📝 Insights:
- Energy Dependence: Kazakh oil constitutes around 50% of Bavaria's oil imports, establishing a strategic energy partnership between the two nations.
- Diversification Efforts: Both parties have focused on economic diversification, with growing interests in sectors like manufacturing, logistics, and technology.
- Air Connectivity: Direct flights between Shymkent and Munich, set to start late May 2025, aim to boost trade and tourism exchanges.
- Key Companies and Collaborations: Companies like Horsch, Linde Gas AG, and Rhenus have participated in discussions on Kazakhstan's operations and future collaboration possibilities.
- Future Prospects: The unique dependence of Bavaria on Kazakh exports suggests potential for deeper industrial collaboration beyond commodities.
Sources: [1], [2]
- "Minister Hubert Aiwanger of Bavaria, Germany, praised Kazakhstan's economic growth and diversification efforts, noting the strong synergies between the two economies and the upcoming direct Shymkent-Munich flights in 2025."
- "In 2024, Bavaria and Kazakhstan's bilateral trade reached €4.7 billion, with Kazakhstan ranking as the 21st trading partner for Bavaria and the 15th in Bavaria's import volume, surpassing several notable countries."
- "During the Kazakh-Bavarian Business Dialogue in Munich, representatives from Horsch, Linde Gas AG, and Rhenus discussed Kazakhstan's financial and business potential and explored possibilities for future collaboration in various sectors like renewable energy, digital infrastructure, and transport logistics."
- "Kazakhstan provides approximately 50% of Bavaria's oil imports, establishing a strategic energy partnership between the two nations and highlighting Kazakhstan's critical role in Bavaria's industrial landscape."
