President Tokayev Hails Launch of New KIA Plant as Major Milestone for Kazakhstan’s Auto Industry

Kazakh President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev has addressed the grand opening of a new KIA automotive manufacturing plant via live TV link, calling it a “significant milestone” in the development of Kazakhstan’s mechanical engineering sector.

Recalling his 2021 visit to Kostanay, President Tokayev noted the assembly of KIA Sportage vehicles marked the beginning. Today, under a strategic agreement with KIA Motors Corporation, a fully operational plant is now up and running, The Caspian Post informs via Kazakh media.

Kazakhstan-Korea Partnership on Display

“This milestone event is a bright example of strategic partnership and successful relations between Kazakhstan and the Republic of Korea,”

said Tokayev, emphasizing that South Korea is one of Kazakhstan’s most reliable partners in Asia.

He also extended sincere gratitude to KIA Corporation President Ho Sung Song for his role in realizing the project and strengthening bilateral ties.

Growing Korean Business Presence

800+ Korean companies are currently operating in Kazakhstan

Automotive manufacturing is becoming a pillar of bilateral cooperation

Honoring Partnership

As a symbol of gratitude, Tokayev awarded Ho Sung Song the Dostyq Order, II Degree, recognizing his contribution to Kazakhstan-South Korea cooperation and the friendship between the two nations.

Earlier, Prime Minister Bektenov inspected the construction progress of the plant, underscoring the project's national importance in industrial development and foreign investment.