Economic ties between Kazakhstan and Saudi Arabia are gaining momentum, with trade turnover between the two countries nearly tripling in the first four months of 2026.

The latest figures were highlighted during a meeting in Astana between Kazakhstan’s Prime Minister, Olzhas Bektenov, and Saudi Arabia’s Minister of Industry and Mineral Resources, Bandar bin Ibrahim Al-Khorayef, who visited the country to participate in Astana Mining & Metallurgy 2026, The Caspian Post reports via Kazinform.

According to the Kazakh government, bilateral trade increased by 17% in 2025, reaching $11.7 million. The growth accelerated this year, with trade turnover rising 2.9 times between January and April to exceed $6.1 million.

Saudi Arabia remains one of Kazakhstan’s key economic partners in the Middle East, with both countries seeking to expand cooperation across strategic sectors.

A major focus of the talks was the mining industry, particularly opportunities in critical minerals, exploration, extraction, and processing projects. The two sides also discussed developing high-value-added products and attracting new investments.

Over the past two decades, Saudi direct investment in Kazakhstan has totaled more than $115 million. Newly signed agreements on investment protection and the creation of the Kazakhstan-Saudi Arabia Coordination Council will unlock additional opportunities for joint ventures and long-term economic cooperation.

As global demand for critical minerals continues to rise, Kazakhstan and Saudi Arabia are positioning themselves to deepen collaboration in one of the world's fastest-growing strategic sectors.