The event in Brussels on 12 December, held by the Embassy of Kazakhstan to Belgium and Luxembourg, was supported by Eurasian Resources Group (ERG), a Luxembourg-headquartered global metals and mining company from Kazakhstan, as its official partner. The reception gathered representatives of the European Commission, the Federal Parliament and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Belgium, the diplomatic corps, business and expert communities, as well as the media.
In his remarks, Ambassador of Kazakhstan to the Kingdom of Belgium, Head of the Mission to the EU and NATO, Roman Vassilenko, noted that over ten years of implementation, the EPCA has elevated relations between Kazakhstan and the EU to the level of a genuine strategic partnership. In total, more than 4,000 European companies are successfully operating in Kazakhstan, reflecting the high level of confidence in the country’s economy. The Ambassador highlighted the active development of cooperation in critical raw materials, green energy, transport, digitalisation, and sustainable development, and informed the audience about the launch of negotiations on visa facilitation and readmission agreements. He also drew attention to Kazakhstan’s political and socio-economic reforms, including its commitment to achieving carbon neutrality by 2060.
For the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg ERG is the largest representative of Kazakhstan business in the country. ERG’s global team highly appreciates Luxembourg’s openness to international community, its attractive, business-friendly environment, and its unique spirit of multiculturalism, as well as distinguished industrial heritage of Luxembourg, including in the sphere of metals and mining. According to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Kazakhstan, in total, the cumulative inflow of direct investments from Luxembourg to the country in the period from 2005 to 2025, amounted to more than USD 3.5 billion.
CEO and Chairman of the Board of Directors of Eurasian Resources Group, Shukhrat Ibragimov said: “ERG is very pleased to have officially partnered with the Embassy of Kazakhstan to Belgium and Luxembourg to support the solemn reception in the heart of Europe, attached to Kazakhstan’s National Day. The event is dedicated to the 10th anniversary of the signing of the Enhanced Partnership and Cooperation Agreement between Kazakhstan and the EU. ERG will continue to help further advance the level of this partnership via successful collaboration with European partners. Headquartered in Luxembourg, ERG has fully integrated operations in Kazakhstan across high value-added processing, infrastructure, and logistics. Our company is a leading, growing supplier of many responsibly sourced metals and critical minerals, including copper and cobalt, aluminium, gallium, and high-carbon ferrochrome. We also produce up to 20% of the country’s electricity while actively developing renewable sources of energy to support the decarbonization agenda.”
“Kazakhstan’s GDP is about 60% of Central Asia’s and in terms of GDP per capita, it has the largest number in the CIS region and has recently overcome China. The country has enormous potential, with its talented and highly skilled people where 40% of population is under 25 years, A strategic location as a cross-continental logistics hub, strong commitment to boost digital connectivity, and abundant underdeveloped resources and unique mineral resource base make it uniquely positioned for many global supply chains. Most of the critical minerals identified by the EU are present in Kazakhstan and the reserves numbers are impressive,” added Mr Ibragimov.
Particular attention during the event was given to transport connectivity, with emphasis on the Trans-Caspian International Transport Route (the “Middle Corridor”), which is becoming a key element in Kazakhstan’s integration into global supply chains.
Concluding his remarks, Ambassador Vassilenko noted that the high-level visits planned for 2026 will provide additional impetus to the further strengthening of bilateral cooperation.
The highlight of the evening was a fashion show featuring a collection in the Kazakh national style by leading designers under the direction of Bayan Zhambauova. The collection, combining traditional motifs with modern design elements, captivated the audience and vividly showcased the richness and distinctiveness of Kazakh fashion.
