Kazakhstan and Montenegro seek deeper trade and transit cooperation

Kazakhstan and Montenegro have held high-level talks to strengthen trade and economic ties. Prime Minister Olzhas Bektenov met with Montenegrin President Jakov Milatović to review progress on past agreements and explore new opportunities for cooperation. During the meeting, Bektenov briefed the Montenegrin delegation on Kazakhstan’s investment climate. He highlighted updates to the Investment Policy Concept and the launch of the Altyn Visa programme for foreign investors. The leaders also discussed the potential of linking the Trans-Caspian International Transport Route with Montenegro’s Port of Bar to boost trade.

The two sides noted that current bilateral trade falls short of their cooperation potential. Kazakhstan expressed readiness to export agricultural products, including flour, wheat, oilseeds, and processed goods. They also explored collaboration in agricultural science, seed production, biotechnology, livestock farming, and sustainable farming methods.

Kazakhstan’s role as a transit hub between Europe and Asia was emphasised, with freight volumes along the Trans-Caspian route rising by over 36% in the past year. Bektenov reaffirmed his government’s commitment to implementing the agreements reached during the talks. The country’s advanced digitisation of public services—over 90% now online—was also presented as a potential area for partnership. The discussions aimed to expand trade, investment, and digital cooperation between the two nations. Kazakhstan’s growing transit capabilities and agricultural exports could play a key role in deepening economic ties. Both sides agreed to focus on practical steps to realise their shared goals.