Bavaria's Leading Trading Relationship Shift: Kazakhstan Rises as Prime Partner in CIS and Central Asia
Title: A Burgeoning Partnership: Bavaria and Kazakhstan's Trade Relations
Subtitle: The Evolution and Current State of Economic Ties Between Bavaria and Kazakhstan
Embrace the thriving economic landscape between Bavaria and Kazakhstan, as the Central Asian nation now reigns supreme as Bavaria's premier trading partner by volume in the region. Bavarian Minister of Economic Affairs, Regional Development, and Energy, Hubert Aiwanger, made this declaration at a Kazakh-Bavarian Business Dialogue on April 4, 2025.
Let's dive deeper into their mutual bond and the steps that have brought them to this point:
Kickstarting Economic Growth
- Building on Solid Foundations: Bilateral trade between Bavaria and Kazakhstan reached a staggering 4.7 billion euros (roughly $5.1 billion) in 2024, accounting for approximately 45% of Kazakhstan's entire trade with Germany.
- Crucial Commodity Exchange: Kazakhstan contributes significantly to Bavaria's oil supply, importing around 50% of Bavaria's oil needs1.
- A Bigger Piece of the Pie: While Kazakhstan ranks 43rd amongst Germany's overall trading partners, it holds 21st place with Bavaria and has an impressive 15th position in terms of import volume, bypassing countries like Belgium, Turkey, Japan, Vietnam, and South Korea1.
Reshaping the Horizon
- Striving for Further Collaboration: The Kazakh-Bavarian Business Dialogue, held in April 2025, witnessed companies including Horsch, Linde Gas AG, and Rhenus deliberating on the potential for increased cooperation within Kazakhstan, illustrating the country's expanding financial and business potential2.
- Bridging the Gap: The launch of direct flights between Shymkent and Munich, scheduled for late May 2025, is set to amplify trade and tourism exchanges between the two regions3.
- Engaging Leaders for Progress: Leading figures from both countries, like First Deputy Prime Minister Roman Sklyar and Minister Hubert Aiwanger, have initiated conversations regarding economic diversification and the striking complementarities between their respective economies. Sklyar also engaged with Bavaria's European and International Affairs Minister, Eric Beißwenger, who expressed eagerness to bolster business and humanitarian partnerships with Kazakhstan and committed to backing joint initiatives.
The blossoming connection between Bavaria and Kazakhstan cannot be overlooked, with both sides eagerly pushing forward towards closer collaboration and mutual success. Keep your eyes peeled for more exciting developments in this transformative partnership!
References:[1] Prime Minister's press service[2] primeminister.kz[3] As reported on April 4, 2025, during the Kazakh-Bavarian Business Dialogue roundtable
- Noted at the Kazakh-Bavarian Business Dialogue in 2025, Hubert Aiwanger, Bavaria's Minister of Economic Affairs, mentioned that Kazakhstan has surpassed other nations to become Bavaria's leading trade partner in the region, a beyond-expectations partnership worth 4.7 billion euros in 2024.
- In the shared quest for growth, Kazakhstan, ranked 43rd among Germany's overall trading partners, holds the 21st position with Bavaria and an impressive 15th position in terms of import volume, outpacing countries such as Belgium, Turkey, Japan, Vietnam, and South Korea.
- During the same dialogue, discussions about diversification and economic complementarities between the two nations were initiated, with key figures like Roman Sklyar and Eric Beißwenger expressing a desire for stronger business and humanitarian partnerships, as well as backing joint projects.
- To further boost trades and tourism, a direct flight connection between Shymkent and Munich is expected to commence in May 2025. Various companies, including Horsch, Linde Gas AG, and Rhenus, have also demonstrated interest in expanding their cooperation within Kazakhstan, emphasizing the nation's expanding financial and business potential.
