Britain must strengthen ties with former Soviet nations like Kazakhstan
In 1840, as Britain was expanding its influence through trade and diplomacy, Lieutenant Arthur Conolly of the British Indian Army embarked on a mission into Central Asia. His journey, ultimately unsuccessful, marked the first recorded British expedition into the region, symbolizing early interest in its strategic and economic potential. Nearly two centuries later, the UK's relationship with Kazakhstan has deepened, and today it represents an essential partnership for both economic and geopolitical reasons.
Next month (April 2025) marks the first anniversary of the Strategic Partnership and Cooperation Agreement between the UK and Kazakhstan. Its importance was recently underlined when in February Foreign Office Minister Stephen Doughty hosted the Kazakhstan-UK Strategic Dialogue, marking 33 years of diplomatic relations between London and Astana. Following Kazakh Week in London in early 2025, interest in Kazakhstan is growing.
However, the country is still underestimated, and the UK now has an opportunity to drive mutually beneficial growth – especially now as a dramatic shift in US policy towards Russia is becoming apparent just a few weeks after President Donald Trump’s inauguration. Kazakhstan’s evolving economic landscape and growing geopolitical significance provide a unique opportunity for the UK (and Europe) to forge a deeper, more dynamic relationship that can enhance both nations’ global standing.
Positioned at the crossroads of Europe and Asia, sharing borders with China and Russia, Kazakhstan can play a vital role in strengthening Britain’s ties to Central Asia, an increasingly influential region in global trade and politics. Astana has earned a reputation as a neutral actor, balancing relations with both the West and Russia, especially as tensions with Moscow have heightened following the war in Ukraine. As the UK recalibrates its foreign policy post-Brexit, Kazakhstan presents a valuable partner for securing economic and geopolitical interests in the region.
The growing threats posed by Russia under President Vladimir Putin highlight the need for a stable and independent Kazakhstan. Putin’s aggressive expansionism, particularly in Ukraine, has intensified fears over Russia's intentions in neighbouring countries. Kazakhstan, with its significant Russian-speaking minority and shared border with Russia, carefully balances cordial relations with Moscow while safeguarding its sovereignty.
The nation has become an increasingly important energy partner for the UK, supplying about 20% of the UK’s imported crude oil. British companies such as BP and Shell hold significant stakes in Kazakhstan's oil fields, including the Tengiz and Kashagan fields.
This growing energy dependence deepens the bilateral relationship. As the UK transitions to a greener economy, Kazakhstan’s energy resources will remain critical for bridging current energy demands with future sustainability goals. Moreover, Kazakhstan’s commitment to diversifying its economy beyond oil and gas presents opportunities for British expertise in finance, technology, and professional services.
Kazakhstan’s embrace of the Middle Corridor trade route, connecting Asia to Europe via the Caspian Sea, is particularly important in the context of rising geopolitical tensions. As European countries seek alternatives to trade routes dominated by Russia, Kazakhstan plays a pivotal role in new global supply chains.
In addition to its energy and trade significance, Kazakhstan’s political stability and ongoing economic reforms make it an attractive partner. President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev has focused on curbing corruption and promoting free-market economics, improving Kazakhstan’s global business standing.
The Astana International Financial Centre (AIFC) has been central to attracting international investors by offering a transparent, British law-based environment. Around 550 companies with British participation currently operate in Kazakhstan, from oil and gas services companies through to my own law firm, Seven Pillars Law, all of which recognise Kazakhstan’s clear potential.
Kazakhstan’s economic growth further underscores the importance of its relationship with the UK. Despite global economic challenges, Kazakhstan's GDP grew by 3.6% in 2024, with projections suggesting continued growth in 2025. While the UK faces sluggish economic performance, Kazakhstan’s resilience makes it a key market for British products and services. This also opens doors for collaboration in sectors such as digitalisation, infrastructure, and green technologies.
Kazakhstan is also cultivating a new breed of entrepreneurs, reshaping its business landscape. Almaz Alsenov, a former national judo champion turned businessman, is an example of how Kazakhstan is fostering dynamic business leadership. The Founder of Harvest Group, an international agri-commodity trader that has partnered with the UN World Food Programme (WFP), Alsenov oversees global grain deliveries to help tackle famine and food insecurity in some of the world’s poorest countries. The company has evolved from humble origins to one with global operations, headquartered in Geneva, with investments in infrastructure and assets including ships and storage facilities that bring jobs to local markets. As global business increasingly emphasizes technological innovation and social impact, Kazakhstan offers fertile ground for collaboration with the UK’s tech and entrepreneurial sectors.
Despite its successes, Kazakhstan faces challenges, including over-reliance on oil and gas and vulnerability to global price fluctuations. Competition from China’s Belt and Road Initiative and other regional players like Uzbekistan also keeps Kazakhstan on its toes. The UK can help Kazakhstan navigate these challenges through continued investment, collaboration, and knowledge-sharing, fostering deeper economic and diplomatic ties while securing its own strategic interests in the region.
Sir Keir Starmer’s government has made economic growth a central policy priority, and Kazakhstan offers opportunities for growth through increased trade, investment, and cooperation. UK citizens can now travel to Kazakhstan for 30 days without a visa, a policy that should be reciprocated to facilitate greater mobility. As the UK seeks new avenues of economic and geopolitical influence post-Brexit, strengthening ties with Kazakhstan will be crucial.
Kazakhstan’s location at the intersection of Europe, Asia, and the Middle East makes it an indispensable partner for the UK in the 21st century. Its economic potential, political stability, and strategic position offer opportunities for mutually beneficial cooperation in energy, trade, finance, and technology. In a world marked by geopolitical uncertainty, particularly with the threat posed by Putin’s actions in Ukraine, the UK’s relationship with Kazakhstan offers a pathway to greater influence, prosperity, and security for both nations.
Mark Beer OBE is Chairman of The Metis Institute, London and Co-Founder of Seven Pillars Law, Astana.
