Kazakhstan is marking ten years of membership in the World Trade Organization. Over this period, the country’s exports increased from USD 46 billion to USD 82 billion, while foreign trade nearly doubled — from USD 76 billion to USD 142 billion. Kazakhstan’s gross domestic product grew by more than USD 100 billion during its ten years in the WTO, reaching USD 288.4 billion in 2024.
Kazakhstan became a full-fledged WTO member on November 30, 2015, completing nearly 20 years of negotiations. Since then, the country has been integrated into the global trading system based on common rules and principles, providing predictable conditions for export development and foreign economic activity.
“WTO membership is not only an international status, but also a practical tool for business. It provides Kazakh companies with clear trading rules, protection from discriminatory measures, and more equal competitive conditions in foreign markets,” said Nurlaan Kulbatyrov, Managing Director of QazTrade.
He emphasized that over the years of membership, the export structure has expanded: the product nomenclature increased by nearly one thousand items, while the share of non-resource exports rose to 35.2%, reflecting a transition from a raw-material model to products with higher added value.
Analytical centers also presented expert assessments of the results and prospects of Kazakhstan’s trade policy.
“The joint report by CAPS Unlock and QazTrade demonstrates the evolution of Kazakhstan’s trade policy, analyzes the country’s strategy for accession to the World Trade Organization and the formation of regional integration frameworks. The report includes an analysis of trade relations with key partners and highlights promising directions for export growth. It also notes the need for further research and assessment to fully unlock the country’s trade potential,” said Azimzhan Khitakhunov, Senior Research Fellow at CAPS Unlock.
The effectiveness of Kazakhstan’s participation in the WTO system and future trade policy priorities were discussed at a roundtable held today by QazTrade in Astana. The event brought together representatives of government agencies, international organizations, and the expert community, including specialists who played a role in Kazakhstan’s accession to the WTO.
“Over the past ten years, Kazakhstan has not only integrated into global trade but has also effectively used WTO instruments to implement institutional reforms, simplify trade procedures, and increase regulatory transparency,” said Kairat Torebayev, Permanent Representative of the Republic of Kazakhstan to the WTO.
Following the roundtable, participants agreed that WTO membership remains not a completed stage for Kazakhstan, but a platform for further export growth, investment attraction, and strengthening the country’s position in global trade.