Both sides emphasised their strong interest in continuing the programme – even at the level of the number of participants achieved so far. German-Kazakh economic relations have good potential, particularly in the agricultural sector (smart farming), food industry, processing industry, green economy (including the circular economy and environmental technologies) and in the energy sector (including renewable energy sources). Partnering in Business with Germany can make a substantial contribution to further exploring these opportunities.

The focus of the anniversary event was on presentations by former programme participants. They affirmed that participating in the programme had expanded their entrepreneurial horizons and given them the opportunity to experience “business in Germany from the inside”. Biogas entrepreneur Mayramgul Kozhabayeva said: “Participating in Partnering in Business with Germany opened a door to working with German manufacturers for me”. She also said that she was able to start working with the large German company group mele from Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania, on the construction of a biogas plant for processing biomass.

Ainur Abdina, the managing director of the Kazakh branch of the customs agency C. Spaarmann, was one of the first graduates of the programme in 2008. It gave her the opportunity to establish contacts with the family-owned company Goldbeck Solar in Baden-Württemberg, which later invested in the 100-megawatt Saran solar park. C. Spaarmann Kazakhsta was involved in importing materials for four Kazakh solar parks. Abdina’s company is still benefiting from its participation in the programme today, and has built long-term business relationships with German companies such as Linde Gas, Viessmann, Knorr-Bremse AG and Stork.