17.04.2025

Opening of the Honorary Consulate of the Kingdom of Belgium and the Benelux Chamber of Commerce Office in Aktau

On April 17, 2025, the official opening ceremony of the Honorary Consulate of the Kingdom of Belgium and the Benelux Chamber of Commerce office took place in the city of Aktau. This important event aims to strengthen trade, economic, investment, and diplomatic ties between the Kingdom of Belgium and the Republic of Kazakhstan.

The Ambassador of the Kingdom of Belgium to the Republic of Kazakhstan, Henri Vantieghem, in his address, emphasized the importance of further developing the Trans-Caspian International Transport Corridor. It is worth noting that the Belgian company Jan De Nul, a global leader in marine construction, completed dredging works in the Caspian Sea at the Kuryk Port last year, which is expected to significantly increase cargo transportation along the corridor.

In his speech, the Deputy Akim of the Mangystau Region, Abbat Urisbayev, warmly welcomed the opening of the Belgian Consulate—the first consulate of a European Union country in the region—and highlighted the high investment potential of the Benelux region, which is the number one investor in Kazakhstan. He encouraged members of the Benelux Chamber to expand their economic presence in the region.

Honorary Consul Murtaza Arifov, appointed to represent the interests of the Kingdom of Belgium, was officially introduced to the diplomatic, official, and business communities of the Mangystau Region. Mr. Arifov, who is also the founder of ARTEX Holding, reaffirmed his commitment to advancing investment projects in the region, particularly in priority sectors such as energy and alternative energy development, water management, healthcare, agriculture, as well as education and social initiatives.

Given the wide jurisdiction of the new Honorary Consulate of the Kingdom of Belgium, Murtaza Arifov plans to visit the Atyrau, Aktobe, and West Kazakhstan regions to discuss new investment and infrastructure projects.

Denis Van den Weghe, President of the Benelux Chamber of Commerce in Kazakhstan, emphasized that the Chamber places special focus on attracting foreign direct investment and supporting Kazakhstan's exports and market entry into the European Union.

The opening of the Honorary Consulate and the Benelux Chamber branch in the city of Aktau will give a new impetus to building direct links between the business communities of both countries and will create additional opportunities for joint investment projects and overall trade and economic cooperation.