The Austrian-Kazakh Connectivity Platform was officially launched at the Austrian Parliament in Vienna. The new initiative aims to strengthen economic ties between Austria and Kazakhstan while promoting joint projects in transport, logistics, infrastructure, industry, and medical technology.

President of the Austrian National Council Walter Rosenkranz welcomed the guests and reaffirmed Austria’s commitment to expanding cooperation with Kazakhstan. He also announced plans to visit the country in the near future.

Among the key participants were Aidar Ryskulov, Managing Director for Economics and Finance of Kazakhstan’s sovereign wealth fund Samruk-Kazyna and Chairman of the Supervisory Board of Kazakhstan Temir Zholy, Severin Gruber, Secretary General at Austria’s Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs, Energy and Tourism, and Anuar Akhmetzhanov, Deputy Chairman of the Management Board of Kazakhstan Temir Zholy.

A central focus of the discussions was the Middle Corridor – a transport route linking Asia and Europe via Kazakhstan, the Caspian Sea, and the South Caucasus. As the corridor bypasses Russia and Belarus, it is playing an increasingly important role in diversifying European supply chains amid ongoing geopolitical changes.

During a panel discussion, representatives of KTZ Express, ÖBB Rail Cargo Austria, and the Federation of Austrian Industries explored opportunities for closer cooperation in rail freight transport, logistics, and the modernization of transport infrastructure.

Economic relations between Austria and Kazakhstan have already reached a significant scale. In 2025, bilateral trade amounted to approximately €2.7 billion. Around 450 Austrian companies operate in Kazakhstan, although only about 45 have established permanent offices or subsidiaries in the country. According to the platform’s founders, this gap represents considerable potential for new investments and joint projects.

«Companies increasingly need reliable partners, practical market insights, and direct access to decision-makers. That is exactly why this platform was created – to provide that support and accompany businesses through every stage of cross-border cooperation», said Alexander Schierhuber, Honorary Consul of the Republic of Kazakhstan in Lower Austria and Vice President of the Austrian-Kazakh Connectivity Platform.

Following the official programme, guests continued their conversations during an informal networking reception. The platform’s first major initiative will be a business delegation to Kazakhstan, scheduled for autumn 2026.

Photo: Ben Leitner