The visit of the Kazakh delegation also provided an opportunity to explore closer institutional and regional partnerships. | Photo credit: SIVA SARAVANAN S.
Minister for Industry, Investment Promotion and Commerce S Keerthana on Tuesday welcomed a delegation of senior businessmen from Kazakhstan and presented Tamil Nadu as a preferred investment destination during a bilateral interaction held on the sidelines of the India-Kazakhstan Business Forum in Chennai.
The delegation, headed by the Vice Minister of Trade and Integration of Kazakhstan Aidar Abildabekov, included high-ranking representatives of the Akmola, Atyrau, Mangistau and Turkestan regions, as well as the deputy mayor of Shymkent.
About 65 Kazakh companies representing various industries took part in the forum, exploring mutual trade and industrial ties. Presenting Tamil Nadu’s credentials during the meeting, Keerthana spoke about the state’s manufacturing base, workforce, infrastructure, technology base and operating environment. Both sides reviewed prospects in sectors such as automobiles and auto components, information technology and digital technologies, pharmaceuticals, textiles, food processing, logistics and tourism.
“Tamil Nadu and Kazakhstan have complementary strengths and there is significant opportunity to build a stronger economic partnership,” Keerthana said. “I was pleased to demonstrate to the Kazakh delegation the industrial potential and investment opportunities of Tamil Nadu and invite Kazakh businesses to explore our state as a preferred location for investment and partnership,” she added.
The visit of the Kazakh delegation also provided an opportunity to explore closer institutional and regional partnerships. HAKE Silas Thangal, Ambassador of India to Kazakhstan, also spoke at the Forum. The Ambassador played an important role in promoting increased economic and business interaction between the two countries. “We see Kazakhstan as an important gateway to Central Asia, while Tamil Nadu is a powerful hub for Indian exports,” the minister said. “By bringing our businesses closer together, we can create new opportunities in trade, investment, technology and tourism, and build partnerships that bring mutual benefit,” she added.
Senior government officials including Deputy Principal Secretary to the Government (Industry) S. Vijayakumar, Special Secretary K. Vivekanandan and Directorate Executive Director Pallavi Verma took part in the bilateral discussions. “Tamil Nadu is committed to deepening its engagement with Kazakhstan and translating this growing interest into concrete investments, business partnerships and strong economic ties,” Keerthana said. “We look forward to welcoming more Kazakh companies to Tamil Nadu and taking this relationship to the next level,” she affirmed.
Published September 9, 2026