Of the five Central Asian republics (Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Uzbekistan, Tajikistan and Turkmenistan), Kazakhstan is Switzerland's most important trading partner. Economic relations between the two countries have increased, with significant potential for further growth. With total bilateral trade of almost USD 2.8 billion, Switzerland is Kazakhstan's fifth biggest trading partner. According to statistics from the National Bank of Kazakhstan, Switzerland is also the third biggest foreign investor (after the Netherlands and the United States). There are around 40 Swiss companies registered in Kazakhstan.
The joint economic commission has held regular meetings since 1999. Switzerland's main exports to Kazakhstan are chemicals, pharmaceuticals and precision instruments. Its main imports are crude oil and natural gas.
Switzerland is returning assets of USD 48 million to Kazakhstan via a World Bank trust fund as part of its efforts to prevent abuse of its financial centre. These funds will be used to benefit the population of Kazakhstan, as specified in an agreement signed between the SDC and the World Bank on 20 December 2012.
Trade promotion, Switzerland Global Enterprise
Joint Chamber of Commerce (JCC)
FDFA: Illicitly acquired assets of politically exposed persons