Skopje, 20 April 2026 (MIA) – North Macedonia and Kazakhstan are set to strengthen economic cooperation and trade, with the second Macedonian–Kazakh business forum in Skopje and the signing of two important documents that will provide fresh momentum to cooperation between the business communities and contribute to expanding trade, concluded Minister of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade Timcho Mucunski and Kazakhstan’s Minister of Trade and Integration, Arman Shakkaliyev, at a joint press conference on Monday in Skopje.

“This visit is a clear signal of the joint readiness to enhance economic cooperation and promote overall bilateral relations. In our conversation, we openly noted that the current level of economic trade does not reflect the real potential that exists between the two countries. But we also agreed there are concrete and achievable opportunities to close that gap in the coming period,” Mucunski said.

Mucunski said discussions were held on convening the second session of the Joint Macedonian-Kazakh Commission on Trade and Economic Cooperation in Astana as an important step toward a more intensive and focused economic dynamic.

“At the same time, our common task remains to overcome the challenges of geographical distance by strengthening direct communication between companies and economic chambers, as well as through more active organization of business forums, fairs, and promotional activities, including in the fields of culture and tourism,” Mucunski said.

The Minister expressed confidence that the second Macedonian-Kazakh business forum in Skopje, together with the signing of two significant documents, will provide fresh momentum for cooperation between the business communities and contribute to expanding trade.

“The creation of a predictable and competitive business environment and attracting foreign investments remains a top priority of our Government. To that end, we remain open to Kazakh investors, both in the tech-industrial development zones and beyond, in accordance with their investment interests,” Mucunski said.

Shakkaliyev said Kazakhstan and North Macedonia are continuing to strengthen bilateral relations, placing a special emphasis on the development of cooperation in trade, economy, and investments.

“The Kazakh delegation, composed of representatives from the business community, the agro‑industrial sector, and the academic community, arrived today in North Macedonia as part of our country’s trade and economic mission. Our main goal is to increase bilateral trade, expand business contacts, and establish concrete areas of cooperation,” Shakkaliyev said.

The Kazakh Minister stressed the country is actively developing its transportation and logistics sector, building sustainable paths between Asia and Europe.

“A key role in this process is played by the Trans‑Caspian International Transport Route, or the Middle Corridor, which is shaping the new configuration of Eurasian trade. In this context, North Macedonia is seen as a promising link on the European route. Its geographic location and integration into Balkan transport networks create additional opportunities for establishing resilient logistics chains, enabling the placement of Kazakh products on the markets of Southeast and Eastern Europe,” Shakkaliyev said.

Shakkaliyev noted that one of the key practical steps will be the establishment of a business council, which will facilitate direct interaction between the business communities of the two countries and enable the rapid development of joint projects.

“Such initiatives, including trade missions and the creation of institutional platforms for dialogue, are seen as a starting point for moving toward more structured and sustainable trade and economic cooperation between our two countries. The focus is placed on developing industrial cooperation, establishing joint business projects, and expanding investment engagement, which will contribute to shared models that bring benefits to both countries,” Shakkaliyev concluded at the joint press conference with Mucunski.

Photo/Video: MIA