India-Kazakhstan Business Dialogue

MSME Briefing Bureau

Industry seeks direct flights, better logistics to expand bilateral business

Better logistics, direct air connectivity and sector-specific partnerships emerged as the key agenda as industry leaders from India and Kazakhstan met in Ahmedabad on Wednesday to explore ways of expanding bilateral trade and investment.

At the India–Kazakhstan Strategic Business Dialogue organised by the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII), participants identified the International North-South Transport Corridor (INSTC) as a key route for improving cargo movement between the two countries, while also pitching Kazakhstan as a strategic gateway for Indian companies targeting European and Central Asian markets.

Kazakhstan’s Ambassador to India, Azamat Yeskarayev, urged Indian businesses to make greater use of the country’s geographical advantage, saying it offers access to major markets across Europe, Asia, China and Russia through an integrated multimodal transport network.

The discussions also highlighted the need for a direct Ahmedabad-Almaty flight, with industry representatives arguing that improved air connectivity would encourage business travel, tourism and commercial exchanges between Gujarat and Kazakhstan.

Business opportunities were discussed in renewable energy, critical minerals, petrochemicals, pharmaceuticals, healthcare, agriculture and digital technologies. Kazakhstan also showcased incentives for overseas investors, including special economic zones, tax concessions and a skilled workforce, as it seeks to diversify its economy.

Speaking on the occasion, Achal Bakeri, Chairman of the CII Gujarat State Council, said stronger institutional engagement between businesses would be crucial for converting diplomatic ties into long-term commercial partnerships.

The dialogue concluded with both sides expressing interest in strengthening collaboration between Gujarat’s manufacturing ecosystem and Kazakhstan’s growing investment landscape.